From @Akash Bhate
Here are a few strategies that help me stay focused.
#5 is most important. Practice mindfulness, stay in the moment.
1. Have specific goals: could be - 10k or HM or reduce 10 mins and get PR. Point is - have it. Having a clear goal in mind can help you stay motivated and focused during your training.
2. Find a running buddy such as, within RHWB local run partners during weekend runs. Buddy can help to keep you on track and motivated.
3. FS not just app, talk to coach. Get involved. Running app like Final Serge have features that can help you stay on track with your training and monitor progress with your coach. Talk to coach about small or minor improvements such as getting to know what cadence is and get your in place.
4. Find a distraction-free environment: If possible, try to find a place to run where you won't be easily distracted. This could be a quiet neighborhood, a local park, or a trail like Greenway.
5. Practice mindfulness: Try to bring your attention to the present moment while you're running. Focus on your breath, your body, and your surroundings. This can help you stay in the moment and avoid getting distracted.
6. Use music or audio books: Listening to music or an audio book can help take your mind off of any distractions and keep you focused on your run.
You may wonder with this I must have sub 2. Nah, i ran last HM at 3:20! Rumor rather jog. However, I am improving. From ACL injury where Doc says don’t walk more than 2 mile, I am at running HM. Your goal matters and it is your goal!
From @sridhar.pola I agree completely, the goal we have in my opinion is to stick to the training program and that is it, the final run will happen, PR or not will happen but as long as we stick to the program we are doing our job. I have some experience in letting distractions come in the way, basically it could be vacation, it could be a get together, a work commitment, but if I think about it carefully I could have fitted in my training for the day if I had given it priority. And every time I have skipped training and lost the training rhythm and discipline, my body has reprimanded me. So keeping the goal of getting the training of the day done and treating everything else that might come in the way as a distraction is the way to go.
On a lighter note, sometimes during a tough long run I can attribute 100% of the success to distracting myself from the run, anything, passing treetops, birds, clouds, music, podcasts etc.. but lately focusing on my rhythmic breathing is working real good.