I never understood the power of the human mind until I began running. The psychology of running can be complex, at least in my case. While it is a physical exercise, it requires a lot of mental toughness.

When we go for a run, our brain is overwhelmed with different sensory input from feedback that various parts of our body send us. It can be defeating and result in a lack of confidence. We are quick to respond to feedback from our lungs and muscles. At even the slightest signal of pain, I am quick to start walking. I automatically convince myself that I cannot run any longer and need to stop.

While I began running my freshman year of college, I always succumbed to the messages my brain was signaling to me. My runs would vary between anything as little as two miles to five. I was determined to become a better runner, but I always gave in to my thoughts and allowed myself to stop.

My sophomore year was when I realized that I could control the way I responded to my brain’s feedback. I started running with my boyfriend, Dylan. When we first started running together I would stop after only a few minutes of running. “I have a cramp.” “Sorry my calves are burning.” “I need water.” Through convincing myself that all of these things were true, I convinced him that I could not run any farther. After a few months of the same excuses, he realized that I was capable of more. This is when I began to realize that the brain is much more powerful then we think.

We would go for a run and he would tell me that we weren’t going to stop. I thought he was crazy. There was no way I was going to be able to run without stopping at least once. After only a few minutes I would start complaining. He would tell me that it was all in my head and that I could keep going. To my surprise, I did not need to stop. Through telling me that it was all in my head, I realized that I was able to control how I interpreted the messages my body was sending me.

I give up on myself too easily. Chances are, you do too. The body is capable of a lot more than we give it credit for, and our brain is extremely influential.

After many runs where Dylan would coach me through the mental “blocks,” I learned that an important part of running is being mindful of one’s body. One thing he regularly points out to me is my breathing. Through regulating my breath, I am able to hold a steady pace for much longer. He also will ask how I am doing at different points of the run. In checking in with myself, I note that I am fine and can keep going.

When I am not running with him, I have to push myself through self -talk, checking in with myself, and my breathing. If you don’t have a Dylan, I would recommend doing all of these things to get over the obstacle of what I call “runner’s block.”