The mental game is the hardest part

Back when I was really fit, doing triathlons and running, I had the mental game down. I was convinced I could do anything and wasn't afraid to try. Now, I'm at a place where the mental game is the hardest part. I have tried to figure out why that is and where all this doubt comes from. The only thing I can come up with is my series of injuries. When I was that fit I started getting injured. When you think about it, it makes sense. I was doing a lot more so I was getting injured a lot more. The problem is those injuries sidelined me for a long time. A. Long. Time. I don't want that to happen again. So when I start going hard and pushing myself I end up with aches and pains and I get scared and back down. I have to break through that mental barrier of fear. I want to be in that shape again. I want to be doing triathlons and running races, I loved doing them and I loved how I felt. I want to be there again. So I'm trying to push through mentally a little bit every day. Yesterday I went for strength training and ended up staying for Combat. That was good. I could feel myself holding back at first but towards the end I was really letting go. Again, Combat is where I think I injured my shoulder so I was a little fearful. But I learned that I could still do it but hold back on the arm a little. I then walked home and the feet and legs were killing me. But you know what? I didn't die and I was fine this morning. I pushed through mentally and it paid off.

Then this morning I wanted to go out and run. After the workout yesterday, I normally would have backed off. But I pushed through mentally and went. I really wanted to do an hour but my couch to 5k programs are only 30 minutes each. So I decided to do 2. I ran up to the college which is situated on a hill so as I ran around half the running was uphill and half was down. When I got the end of the first session I almost quit. But I pushed through mentally and started the second. Then I thought I'd only do half the second session and start heading home. But I pushed through mentally and did the entire second session up at the college. Then I headed home. It was awesome. My legs were thrashed from yesterday but I continued to push through. I was so incredibly proud of myself. It feels awesome. That is what I need to do everyday until it's such a habit I don't have to think about it anymore.

Tomorrow I get to run in the morning and do circuit training at 5:30. I'm excited and looking forward to that.