Hump Day Giveaway: Faster, Lighter, Stronger
A sign you're fast? When the ground blurs beneath you.
There’s a certain type of person that wears racing flats: those minimal shoes that look about as comfortable as cardboard, but cut down on weight and increase feel for the road. Faster runners swear by them.
The type that wears racing flats typically also:
a) wears minimal spandex both on top and bottom–and it doesn’t look bad. (Geeky maybe, but bad? People would cover their children’s eyes if I did it!)
b) has calves that are approximately as large as my forearms.
c) does an intricate, 30-minute warm-up during which their limbs spaghetti everywhere and a cool-down “couple miles” after every race. (They’re the ones you see running the opposite direction as you’re running towards the finish line. I’ll be honest: they may be very nice people, but I hate them a little bit when I pass them.)
In other words, I will never need–or wear–something as light as a racing flat.
Think of 890s as you would a great babysitter: they exist to lighten your load.
Then something comes along and challenges everything I assume. To wit: the brand new New Balance 890. This shoe is a lightweight shoe for those of us who will never wear a racing flat. The 890 is a shoe for the bigger-boned Athenas, myself included; the mid- to back-packers, who equate comfort with a heavy, plush shoe; the runners who want to try a trend–but don’t want to injure themselves (or look foolish) while doing so. Why, you ask? Clocking in at a mere 7.65 ounces, this neutral shoe, which has a revolutionary, durable midsole, doesn’t skimp on cushion or support. In them, your feet still feel as strong and comfortable as they do in more substantial shoes, but–trust me on this one–they’ll definitely notice how much lighter and zippier each stride feels.
We’ve got a pair of the 890s to give away–but not until you answer a question. These shoes can make you feel fast, but you still have to do the work. What do you do when you want to pick up the pace? Do you put a specific thought in your head? Pretend like your kids are chasing you? Focus on your arm swing? Hold your breath and hang on? (not recommended, btw.)
Let us know, and you may have a helpful kick from a brand new pair of kicks.
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So many amazing mile markers; fortunately, I don’t have to pick them–random.org does it for me. So we’ve got 10 lucky readers who won a copy of Kristin Armstrong’s new book Mile Markers. Congrats, winners: E-mail us with your address at runmother at gmail dot com and we’ll get your copies out.
Kristen F: I started running at 38. My mother did not get why I started running and continued to do so. She never said anything bad ; she was just not impressed. She kept thinking I would “get over it” it I think. Then I forced her to come with me for my first (and only thus far) marathon so she could see me finish. She did, but because it was at Disney World her favorite place. When I saw her just after I finished she burst into tears. She said “I am unbelievably proud of you. When I saw you coming toward the finish line and realized you had just run 26 miles I started to cry”. This moment has deeply affected me, my relationship with my Mom and my relationship with running. It is truly my Mile Marker.
Ann: My milestone is age. I will be 50 next year. That year I want to run the Flying Pig marathon here in Cincinnati. I did my first 5K last summer and I am now training to do 10K and 1/2 marathons this year. Next year, look out! This 50 year old will be doing the full thing!
Julie Lynch: My divorce was final last year, after 2 long years in court. AND I turned 40. So I decided to mark it by running my first full marathon. I’d run 5k, 10k, and half before. Crossing that finish line was one of the top defining moments of my life. Now I know I have wings…and I can soar.
KimPossible: I have a 2.5 mile loop in my neighborhood that I run most days. One day I was coming down the lane back to my house and I was really kicking it like I do at the end of each run and I saw my 4 year old son standing in the driveway holding out a bottle of water for me. So of course I ran even faster! And when I reached him he said, ” mommy, you are awesome, drink the water and go do it again”. And you know what, I did! And now I routinely do that loop 2 times to get in 5 miles and I don’t think I would have pushed myself if he hadn’t suggested it that day. I run for ME but I gotta tell you he was and is my inspiration. Robbie is my MILE MARKER.
Stacy: Last June I started couch to 5k. I could barely run 2 minutes, but I had signed up for a late august 5k and was committed to making sure I finished. I didn’t love running, but I kept doing it because I had a goal. The day I ran that 5k, I was so proud of my accomplishment that I signed up for another taking place 1 month later, knowing that the registration would prompt me to keep up with running 3x per week. In that month, something clicked. I have no idea what. Running went from being something that I had to do to being something that I couldn’t do without. Since then I have done a 10k and have signed up for my first half marathon in May, which will mean I went from couch to 1/2 in 10.5 months. My life is incredibly different since that day last June when I downloaded an iPhone app and ran for a minute; I wouldn’t give back a single mile.
Alison Price: My milestone is coming around the corner and seeing my house…..whether it be from a quick run or a LOOOOOONG run. I pick up the pace, and sprint home feeling the waves of “I can do anything” wash over me.
Jen: The last marathon I ran (and first as a mother) it was Mile 25 when I realized I would qualify for Boston. I was so emotional thinking about my daughter who was 8 months at the time and how important she was to me and it made this marathon somuch better then any in the past.
milesmusclesmom (aka JenniferLeah): I gotta go with 1 mile!
I recall the very first time I ran one mile without stopping and it really was such a big deal to me-a huge accomplishment. If I had not been able to run that ONE MILE, I would not have been able to do 3.1, 6.2, 13.1. 20+ any of the other distances that followed. When I started running, I was 100+lbs overweight and I could not run more than 20 seconds at a time. Hitting that one mile was the beginning for me The beginning of a mad love affair with running
Lee Ann: My mile markers stand for every individual that I have seen change their lives through running. I have only been running for a year but have completed 4 1/2 marathons. Over the course of the last year, friends and collegues have taken an interest in my new found energy, focus and zest for life that can only come from miles on the pavement. Seeing this, I have focused on putting that energy towards supporting those individuals on their own journey to change their lives. We as a collective group have seen folks lose weight, find strength and confidence, quit bad habits and emerge as true inspirations. Whenever a run seems hard or even impossible – I think of the accomplishments of those around me and they give me the inner strength and resolve to go the distance!
Meredith Johnson: Every time I walk back in through the door and my kids are like sunshine again.
another mother runner 
I tell myself that ‘faster’ isn’t just going to happen and that if I want to make a faster pace seem easier at race time then I’ve got to gut it out for awhile. Then I eyeball my Garmin like crazy, hold on and pray for it to end soon. 🙂
yes, I have totally been there – “praying for it to end soon!”
I use visual goals to help me keep moving and increase my speed. For example, I need to lose a some pounds so I will visualize my goal weight as big as a building and I am running toward it. I also use achievements, things I want, places I want to go, etc. I think of them being ahead of me and I need to run quickly to get to them.
Sandi
I usually try focusing on my breathing to run faster and tune out the pain. In one one long breath out, out two or switch it around till I feel better 🙂
I use visual goals to help me keep moving and increase my speed. For example, I need to lose a some pounds so I will visualize my goal weight as big as a building and I am running toward it. I also use achievements, things I want, places I want to go, etc. I think of them being ahead of me and I need to run quickly to get to them.
Sandi D
I have a few mantra’s I’ve been finding very effective lately. (1) I’m can take more pain than anyone else out here – usually shortened to “I can..gasp for air… take more..ouch…oh crap…PAIN!” (2) Pain now Pride later.
Or when all else fails I think about my little girl and how I want to be a strong mom/good example for her. Sometimes I even get a little teary but man, it totally kicks me into a faster pace.
What do you do when you want to pick up the pace?
I think about my goals, I think about my daughter waiting for me at the finish line, I think about how far I have come on my journey and those good thoughts block out any physical pain that may be occuring at the moment.
I also have certain songs that really get that fire burning and if it is a race or run where I am wearing an ipod, I have a playlist planned out based on the time of the run and place those songs last. Not only does this let me know where I am time wise based on my planned goal, but those songs give me the extra “oooomph” I need to really push it hard 🙂
Im so excited about the book! Sending you an email —
I am a truly middle of the pack runner, but I will pick someone who is slightly ahead of me and then decided I am going to beat THEM. Of course, I have no idea how long they have been at this, but I am competitive enough that just thinking I have to beat someone usually kicks it for me.
On another blog, I read a saying that she uses (Frayed Laces@blogspot-I think) and I repeat that to myself also. A LOT. Especially when I think I have nothing left in the tank. “There will come a day when you can’t do this. Today is not that day.” Usually gives me that last bit of oomph.
I am very new to exercise and fitness-I have RA which limits how fast I can go but I do the very best I can every day. When I am having a hard time finishing a workout I just think about how much better I feel since I started exercising and how losing some weight has made me feel like I am in control of this disease and not the other way around. I was able to do 20 mins on the treadmill this week and while it was hard, I did it. I am finding a new confidence is being able to accomplish more and more.
billy, i have a friend with RA that just completed her 3rd marathon this weekend. running helps her keep her symptoms down. she has been running some for several years but just started racing two years ago. she a big inspiration to me. good job and keep it up!
billie, i have a friend with RA that just completed her 3rd marathon this weekend. running helps her keep her symptoms down. she has been running some for several years but just started racing two years ago. she a big inspiration to me. good job and keep it up!
If a car passes me, I don’t want them to think, “poor girl, she should just walk.”
I tell myself, fast or slow, it still hurts the same. I remind myself that the faster I run, the faster it’s over. I picture myself attached to a rubber band that’s pulling me in. Or I think about something that’s really made me mad lately–that always kicks me into gear.
I try repeating some word or phrase with each step… Sometimes I’m counting steps, sometimes I’m muttering a 4-letter word, sometimes I’m telling myself how awesome I am (haha!), but focusing on a mantra (if you can call it that) gets my mind off the pain and helps me struggle through.
I’m a new runner, only been running one year. When I am slowing down and hanging on by a thread I think of two people: my BIG brother who is a firefighter and the toughest, strongest hero I know and my old weight lifting partner from high school gym class, we could out lift most of the boys back then. I think of these two people shouting “tough as shit” at me and I push on through!
I have a mantra that I say in my head when I want to get moving: stronger, faster, beautiful athlete.
I put on a song with a faster pace and try to stay with it…it only lasts a couple of minutes, so I know I can do it!
I start pumping myself up – talking to myself “now pick it up – pick it up now…” and I set myself a goal – pass this person – then I pick out another one I want to pass – and then I might choose one I want to try to stick with if I’m liking their pace.
I do this when I’m doing leg workouts and I am about to die trying to get the full time in or the full number of squats – I tell myself – “you had 2 babies with NO drugs – if you can do that you can do anything for 30 seconds!!”
This post is so timely because just last night I put on my Puma racing flats to run at track. When I want to feel fast, I try to weigh as little as possible. I wish I could shed pounds around my hips, but for now I dress “lightweight”.
I tell myself “the faster you finish this, the faster this run will be over”. Usually helps!
If I want to run faster I just pick up my knees and go! Also bumping up the speed on the treadmill helps a lot, and being able to see my legs moving in the window helped keep me moving yesterday!
I totally use music to get me moving faster. A faster song usually motivates me without me even realizing it (too much)! Christina Aguilera’s Fighter works well!
I revert back mentally to my high school track days. I ran the 3rd leg of the 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays, so when I have to push the pace, I just visualize that high school track with my former teammate standing there, anxiously waiting for the baton, and our team cheering around us, and it makes me push like heck.
Funny – that’s been my mental motivator for years, and I just realized high school track was almost 20 years ago. Sheesh.
I click my Shuffle’s “next” button to faster beat song like Beastie Boy’s “Check It Out” or Mumford & Son’s “Little Lion Man.” It works Every Single Time!!
I use music to pick up the pace. I run with my iPod shuffle (after YEARS of being a no-headphones/no-music runner), and I have a few especially favorite songs that have the magical ability to make me speed up even when I’m tired. Gotta love that.
I think of all the peoPle who can’t run, due to injury or health and I run faster for them, I give it all I’ve got and then some!
When I want to run faster, I add some new music to my iPod and go out alone. I usually run with a couple of friends, so we go at a pace where everyone can keep up. When I really want a challenge, I will go by myself and RUN! It feels so good! I probably should do it more often, but I just can’t give up the companionship of my friends!
During a hard workout, I sometimes try to visualize myself meeting my goals, remembering that the difficult workout is a step toward those goals. I also repeat positive thoughts in my head, like “you’ve got this,” and try to focus on my body’s ability, breathing and releasing the fatigue.
When I want to go faster I think about my form – driving elbows back (I think I picked that one up from a book I read something about Running like a Mother), picking up my knees, chin up, forward lean (al la Chi Running) and then I’m good to hold on to that for maybe a good 60 seconds before my mind drifts somewhere else and I slow down again.
I repetitively count to 7. There is something about the idea that I can easily take 7 quick steps, and then 7 more. Soon enough I don’t have to count anymore and my feet keep going at a quicker pace!
i sing crazy acid rock to myself- in my head of course- thank you 80s
As my BFF Amy tells me “you can do anything for ‘x’ minutes” and that typically gets me through. I also talk to myself, sometimes out loud and say things like “come on Erica. you can do it!”
If I want to run faster towards the end of a race, I visualise myself with the wings of an angel and Jesus carrying me. God has always and will continue to carry me through.
love it! i did that this morning after i read your comment
This may sound weird, but when I want to pick up the pace I channel the Little Engine That Could and repeat to myself over and over, “I think I can I think I can…” Seriously. (Related: I am a dork.)
Well, I may be a dork too, but I’m just starting running and I’ve been wondering if that might not help me as well. 🙂
I either put on a fast paced song or aim for the next milestone (tree, road) or person (if I’m racing).
Usually, we run faster to get away from something. In my head, I envision my daughter waiting for me on every run. She is truly my motivation to do better in everything I do. There’s no way I can let her down by making her wait.
When I do actually go “fast” (a very relative term, for me it’s mile repeats in 8 min), I just love the feel of it – I feel fast, light, and strong, and if it goes well I’m usually psyched and super alert the rest of the day.
I have a couple of mantras that tell me what to do. I quote my grandfather who says, “Go Big or stay home!” (long story, but I did blog about it when I started running). I guess that’s my favorite one. I also think about my 4-year-old daughter who is usually standing in front of the treadmill mimicking me – I want her to know girls can be fast. And then there’s my other daughter (22 months) who takes one look at me gasping for breath and says, “You OK Mommy? You OK?” I have to get it together, plaster a smile on my face and say, “YOU BET!”
When I want to pick up the pace, I find a faster song on the IPOD, think consciously about breathing and tell myself, the faster I go, the sooner I’ll be done!
What do I do when I want to pick up the pace? I hit the “speed” mix on my iPod, or sometimes I’ll visualize the last stretch of a race and my boys waiting for me at the finish, and sometimes I repeat a little mantra in my head. Yesterday at the track I just kept thinking “Push past the pain, push past the fear” it really kept me going!
I think about how really fun it is to run fast like when you were a kid and just want to run as fast as you can! And try to straighten up my form too, that always helps.
I switch to one of my “get moving” songs – it usually helps!
When I want to run faster, I make a date with a speedy friend! The suffering is much more tolerable with company. Unfortunately she has to talk the whole time because I generally have a hard time just breathing!
I put my head down, and tell myself to suck it up!
I tell myself run hard to the next light pole; when I get there, I think I can do more, so I go hard to the next one. This is my version of intervals. My goal is to get through a few light poles before I have to slow down, then I pick the pace back up after another light pole. It works for me…
I picture the finish line and push harder.
I just kinda flip into that mode or “drop the hammer” as I tell myself. Usually I spend my training runs organizing my thoughts, my to-do list, my weekend plans, etc but when it comes to races I just go into this zone where I am thinking about that run at that moment.
You know the chick in Hood to Coast that the dead jocks stopped and made a tunnel for? And as she passed they all said “that is a thing of beauty”? Well, I try to run like her when I want to run fast.
I say the same thing I used to tell myself as a competitive swimmer in my teens working my way up within my club. I was never very talented and all my teammates seemed to be able to improve without even trying, while I was doing everything right and gaining little by little. My mantra then was “training versus talent”: a recognition that I had to put all that effort in but that it would eventually pay off. It did, and even now that my swim career is over its how I get myself through any tough workout, especially runs.
I play ‘American Woman’ by Lenny Kravitz. It gets my butt moving every time.
i crank up a good song- something fast/dancy that you’d hear in a club, that always gets my feet moving. I also visualize myself finishing hard in a race- that last stretch of rood when the spectators get denser & denser and then end is finally in sight… I see myself pushing harder & harder all the way to the finish.
When I want to pick up the pace I find one of my “Power Songs.” Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” has pushed me to sprint across more than one finish line no matter how crappy I felt!
I tend to speed…and poop out early. I work hard to keep the speed in check so I can gain miles and endurance. When I need to pick up the pace, I stop looking at my watch and just let myself go.
I think of my Dad whom had a stroke, and I run faster and stronger for him.
I don’t wear a garmin and don’t generally run with a pace in mind… However, in races, I let the pack pass me in the beginning and then spend the rest of the race passing them….. I could probably go faster in the beginning, but always feel great at the end!
I crank up the booty shakin’ tunes.
I visualize the “me” who started this running journey 2 and a half years ago – overweight, depressed (I had just had my 5th miscarriage), unhealthy, and not a role model for my then-2 year old. I run faster to run away from THAT me and toward the me that I have become and who I am still striving to be!
When I need to go faster I visualize my aunt and my cousin, both are super fast Boston marathoners. I know if they can do it then so can I. I want to be like them and I will push myself harder every week so one day I will be fast enough to join their ranks!
I focus on an end point and pick up the pace. It helps to have my goal in sight knowing I only need to go fast for that length and can slow back down afterwards.
I revert to my high school days–I pick a point in the distance and try to get there faster, and then do it again, and do it again. Now that I’m working on my mid-foot strike, I also say, “one one thousand” over and over and over. This really has increased my turn-over.
I will chime in along with all those who hit the “power song” button for some good music to pick up the pace, but in addition, I have a little mantra I start repeating: You got this. You got this. You got this! 🙂
When I feel like I am slowing down and need to pick it up, I just remember how blessed I am to be able to run……..I am healthy, (somewhat) fit, and more importantly ABLE to do it! These shoes would certainly help though!
I tell myself I can do anything for five minutes. Whether it was wall sits in ROTC in college, or those last few minutes of a lecture in school, or listening to my coworker complain about their life, I’ve realized that five minutes it not that long. So when I need to pick up the pace, I set a time limit and push. Because five minutes isn’t that long!
When I want to pick up the pace I find a tree or telephone pole in the distance (but not too far) and tell myself you can push it to that tree and then coast. It helped me get through my first half marathon. Little milestones that can be met and then encourage you to keep going til the next week. If I can just push to the top of that hill….. Kind of like labor. LOL
I think of my ex-husband and how he’d never believe that I could do what I’m doing. That ALWAYS motivates.
I tell myself I can do it and picture the finish line. I can’t say it always works. Some days you have the afterburner and some days you don’t!
When I want to increase speed, I find my ‘Evanecense’ tracks on my IPOD, turn up the volume, and focus on shorter, faster steps. My last 1/2 marathon I listened to Evanescense (the same 4 songs over and over) for the last 6 miles and focused on shorter steps–and I ran a faster 1/2 then I ever had before!
I am not to the point yet where I can think about things like PACE. I hope to someday be there!
You know, when the run is getting really tough, I call on all my resources…I throw my elbows back, convince myself that my feet will move if my mind tells them to (this really worked in my last 10K), repeat “Power, Energy, Strength” (which is my reminder that my power comes from God, my energy is my mind and my strength is my body), tell myself to go for another quarter or half mile (which is where I repeat “Half a mile, half a mile, half a mile more” which is a take on a poem I teach my students), or count my steps in sets of 7 (no idea why)…basically, nothing’s off limits and sometimes it takes all of these things to push through.
I can get myself to go faster by thinking about lifting my knee instead of pushing off with my foot. Of course faster is a relative term!
Speed…speed is relative. Lately, to help my speed, I focus on cadence. It at least makes me feel faster!
Chant to myself: “Pain is temporary, pride is forever.”
To try to get faster, I hold my breath and hang on (just kidding!).
Usually, the music on my playlist dictates my speed a bit – and speed is very relative. I’ve definitely gotten faster (I’m around a 10:30-10:50 pace on my long runs now) but in the big scheme of things, that’s still pretty slow.
I turn on a faster song and try to get moving. “Boogie on Reggae Woman” by Stevie Wonder usually does the trick.
I put on “Don’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers on my Ipod. I pick up the pace and talk myself up saying, “you’ve got this!” That song and positive thinking always gives my spirit a boost as well as my speed!
When I want to run faster, I just imagine I’m tall. Somehow tall = fast in my head (probably the long legs).
I usually don’t push my speed until the end. Then I focus on the end in sight and pick up the pace.
two strategies. 1) think about a muscle that doesn’t feel tired as doing the work: e.g. my butt is pushing me up this hill, and my butt is strong and up to the task etc), or, 2) create elaborate mental pictures that involve some kind of imaginary creature helping me: e.g. fairies in football training are pushing/pulling me along
I tell myself, “come on girl” and then I think about my stride which goes like this, kick my butt, knee up and fast feet on the ground. I know sounds stupid but it works for me I just did it this am on my tempo run. would love to win these shoes by the way I was just looking into getting new lighter ones.
When I want to pick up the pace I put on a song with a fast beat. Fast songs always seem to get me going.
Usually a great song will help pick up the pace. Then I try to tell myself to stay calm and relax. I tend to panic when my breathing gets fast then I call it quits too early.
I have a playlist of songs in the 90 bpm range that gets my feet moving quickly! Works like a charm. 🙂
When I want to go faster, I just give myself a little pep talk. I tell myself to go faster. If I have my mp3 player, I may try to find a faster song but basically I just say “FASTER.”
I think “I am strong” over and over. And warning, this will totally sound like sucking up. But Dimity’s line from the book about her legs being strong enough to rotate the earth, or something along those lines always gives me an extra boost.
If I am just running in training alone I tell myself I am in a race and my kids are watching. If it is in a race I pretend the person in front of me is that bully from High school!!!
I crank up MC Hammers “Can’t Touch This” (the Glee version is good too)! It always motivates me!
Usually I have to talk myself down from dropping the pace…maybe I should try talking myself into picking up the pce more often!! When I do, I just go for it. Sometimes I use a mantra to help me focus on rhythm…
What do I do to pick up the pace? I put on a really great upbeat song on the iPod and focus on getting my knees high and my feet actually off the pavement 🙂 – I imagine myself back in PT and hearing my therapist tell me I’m really not a “running type” body! Wanna bet….just watch me take this hill by storm with a smile on my face!
When I want to go faster, I think of it as changing gears like on a bike. When I think of changing gears instead of just going faster, I can go fast more comfortably and efficiently.
I focus on my form. Our couch tells us to straighten up and to keep our arms at our sides to pretend like we are pulling ropes with each hands. This little correction gets me in the mindset that I am prepared and that I have done this a million times before…and I can zoom off!
I talk to myself – I say something corny out loud like “Let’s do this!” and then let a little Black-Eyed Peas play on my mental ipod (Tonight’s Gonna be a good night) or remind myself of my field hockey days at Villanova when EVERY run was high intensity. If I could run like that all of the time in my late teens, I can kick it into high gear for a couple minutes in my early 30’s.
3 years ago I was hospitalized for 2 weeks with a ripped lining in my lung. During the ER drama (straight out of the movies) I blocked out the all the “noise” around me and focused on thoughts of my daughter. It was like a slideshow in my brain. When I need to dig deep and it hurts, I reflect back on that slideshow in my brain and know I need to do this for her.
When I want to pick up my pace I try to run with a lighter step. I also put on faster music. I’m not a fast runner, but sometimes this helps to get me out of my slow set pace.
I remind myself that when I get done, I get to EAT! Food always motivates me.
right now, picking up the pace simply means running more than I am walking – I tell myself – just to that tree, that bump, that car – whatever is in my view ahead. I count 1,2,3,4 as I run and that helps as well. Music is a big helper – Pink helps – the music makes me want to move!
That is a GREAT strategy…I was there just a year ago (I couldn’t run more than 30 seconds!), but I just finished my 3rd half marathon (ran the whole thing with a 10:38 pace). There are still days it’s tough just making it through a 4 mile run where I have to pull that trick on myself–just to that lamp post then I can take a break…) The key for me was to keep on “just to”ing myself until my body involuntarily started walking. That’s when I know I am really done, until I recover enough to get going again!! By doing that you are training your mind to get in line with your body because your body can usually do A LOT more than your mind wants to think it can!! Good luck to you!!
My best “get faster” motivator is fast music. Usually either some new heavy stuff that I am way too old for, or some classic 80s hair metal.
If I’m trying to pick up the pace, I usually have a mantra in my head. It’s been anywhere from the little engine, “I think I can” to “pick it up” to “nothing left to lose” It has to match my cadence and breath. I don’t know if I ever really pick up the pace at the end of a race but it definitely helps me to finish.
I make a really mean face and pump my arms faster. In fact in race photos I look like a madwoman, so I never buy them. Everyone else is smiling and waving and I look like a monster!
I channel my inner Nike and Just Do It!!!!
I repeat my running mantra over and over: strong legs, steady breathing.
When I want to speed up I think about my goals, all the hard work I’ve put in to get to that point, and tell myself I’m not giving up now! I push it into the higher gear and plow through the pain. (In theory, in reality there is a lot more whining involved).
I read an article in Runner’s World about mantras, so that is my new thing. My mantra I use is ‘Run relaxed. Finish strong.’ It sounds simple but it worked for me in my 30k race I did on Saturday. It helps remind me that I’m saving some speed for the end. Even if I don’t think I have any speed saved. I just repeat ‘Run relaxed. Finish strong.’ and I will myself to pick up the pace.
Last year was the first time I really trained with a running group. Those fine ladies (and a few gentlemen) pulled me through every speed session we did. When I’m on my own I try to tell myself to push out of my comfort zone. “This is what will make you stronger.”
I like to go into a mental tunnel where sounds/voices around me start to sound like Charlie Brown’s phonecalls (aka, wa-wa-wa-wa wa-wa-wa-wa).
I also like to recall great accomplishments of the past and how I didn’t think I would make it but I put my head down and just went and did it!
I have a few phrases that seem to pop into my head when I want to kick up the speed. My favorite stems from a line in the movie “Bite the Bullet.” The word “Assaulto!” always gets me moving.
We have a group of 16 people here at work that go out and run at lunchtime! We are a big herd thundering down the trails, LOL! Throughout the run we end up spreading out based on pace. Anyway, when I want to pick up my pace, I work at staying side by side with Paloma (she is the person who runs in front of me). It’s so great running with support of friends and coworkers!
When I want to pick up the pace, I visualize my kids chasing after me whining “Mooooommyyy!”. I think about running far, far away from my looks-like-a-tornado-swept-through-it house that doesn’t ever seem to clean itself. I remind myself that this is the ONLY time I have completely alone, and I make the most of every step. Most of all, I pick it up with a sense of gratitude that I, bad-ass mother that I am, am healthy and strong enough to do what so many people can’t. (And I run extra-fast if I know there’s a beer or some Ben & Jerry’s at the end!)
The power of positive thinking: WhenI want to go faster, I really focusing on thinking of myself as fast and make it happen.
P.S. Love that photo!
When I want to pick up the pace I focus more inward rather than looking around & enjoying the sites so much. I pick a point in the distance and focus on reaching it as quickly as I can, focusing on each step, each breath, my body position, etc.
I tell myself I won’t get faster or stronger without working harder. I try to visualize a really hard workout I successfully completed to tell myself “I Can!” Of course “harder” is relative for me – a solid mid to back- of -the-packer!
When I want to pick up the pace, I put on my favorite pump up song: “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. With that song blasting I can’t help but smile and pick up my pace.
To run faster, I concentrate on swinging my arms faster. I find it so hard to get my legs to move differently (faster, smaller steps, quicker, etc), but I can change the swing of my arms easily – and then my legs follow suit. It rocked my world when I discovered this, after struggling to get my cadence faster. Also a motivating song works well, like Lose Yourself.
To pick up the pace, I stop thinking about anything except for my arms. I forget my feet, my legs, my grocery list,and the piles of laundry and just think about my arm swing. The rest of my body cooperates.
I love watching the Brooks Superfans videos. They always give me a well needed laugh. In one of them, they yell “you gotta want it” at some little kids they are training on the playground. Sometimes, when my oldest son rides bike with me while I run, he always yells, “you gotta want it” just like they do in the video. We both always laugh. But seriously, when the going gets tough, and I need to dig down deep I do think about how much I want to accomplish my goal and how that I can do it if I really want it….and of course, I always hear that video in the back of my head and it makes me smile and gets me going. See video here:
When I need to pick up the pace, I simply say to myself, “CARLISLE (my last name), YOU. ARE. STRONG. YOU’VE GOT THIS.”
When I want to pick up the pace, I just start running faster. It’s usually preceded by some internal dialogue (and grumbling) about having it in me or what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger and sometimes followed by various running mantras. If it’s during a race, seeing someone that I can pass is all the motivation I need.
I remember something that was written in your book about being a puppet held up with strings. It improves my posture and always makes me feel like I can run faster. And when I really need the inspiration I tell myself I’m as light as a snowflake which somehow makes me pick up my pace. I’m not sure what I’ll be “light as” once winter is finally over.
Dandelion fluff!!
This might be kind of crazy, but it works: Often I will not be “in the moment” as I am getting out of my parked car to run somewhere. I’ll be thinking about the run ahead. But I use this to my advantage. I actually begin to believe that I forgot to lock my car (with my wallet inside, of course.).
Now, I have never actually NOT locked my car…it’s always safe and secure. But just the though of having to deal with getting a new license, credit card, etc, is enough to scare my pants off and make me run FAST.
You might think I am joking, but I am not. Just another insane runner.
I am so there Kristin!
I suck it up, crank the dial on the treadmill higher and remind myself the faster I go, the quicker it’ll be over! 🙂
I remind myself how strong I am, and will my feet to move! Works almost every time (except occasionally when I’ve been woken up multiple times the night before).
If I’ve convinced myself I need to book it for the last 0.25 or so of a run, I take a deep breath and just go head strong into it. If I’m on the treadmill, I take that same deep breath and up the speed by 0.5.
To pick up the pace, I find a visual marker in the distance, like a tree or driveway and run, run, run!
I imagine my husband and dog cheering me on. Is that lame? I hear my husband say, can you push harder? Usually the answer is yes. My dog is my running partner, so I imagine her telling me to push hard because of all of the miles we’ve put in together.
I just focus on the finish! If I think of it as just a short amount of time with an end in sight, that helps to measure the amount of pain in minutes and not what otherwise seems like hours!
If I’m planning to run fast (tempo/speed) I *need* my music! If I just feel like picking it up then a downhill never hurts. 🙂
A good song, for sure. I have a playlist of pick-up-the-pace tunes that I rotate through when I’m looking for a quicker pace.
To pick up the pace, I remind myself of how far I have come as a runner. I know that I have the ability to push myself to pick it up and become faster. I also use visual markers. I choose a tree or sign and run as fast as I can to that goal and then choose another.
When I want to pick up the pace I just think of how far I’ve come with my running and how just a couple months ago I thought I couldn’t run 1 mile! JUST RUN!
When I want/need to pick up the pace, I visualize the “before-I-was-a-runner” me standing next to the “runner” me. I see the differences in my body, my mind and my general outlook on life. Then I turn up the volume on my iPod and turn up the speed (even if I can only sustain it for a minute or two).
I go to my old standby mantra… “I will be better when I…” fill in the blank. That paired with “the faster you go, the sooner this is over” push me further than I think I can go.
Pain is temporary . . . pain is temporary . . . then visual a finish line.
I focus forward, lift my knees more and pump my arms – nothing fancy. Visualizing the finish helps.
I kind of cheat to go faster: running back home is a 1/2 mile downhill finish, so I always go really fast down the hill to make up for my slow uphill beginning. 🙂
I put on some loud, fast music and it gets me going everytime. It is amazing how much faster I can go with good music.
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins usually helps, but in a race it’s reeling in the person in front of me!
When I want to move faster, I think light and strong and really focus on my arm swing. I also begin to plan what I am going to have to eat afterwards, it is amazing what an affect thoughts of yummy food can have on your pace:)
When I want to increase my pace I usually focus on the breathing and upper body more. I tend to allow my upper body to “not pull it’s own wieght” at times. I often can increase my pace without feeling that I am giving much more effort by focusing on making my arms work for me a little more.
When I’m running and want to pick up the pace, I do a couple of things. First, I usually visualize what I want my new body to look like, and then I put on a song that makes me want to dance, and I just go for it, running to the fast beat of the music.
When I want to increase the pace, I focus on my cadence (repeating 1,2,3,4 faster and faster). This usually requires me engaging more of my butt muscles. I’ve noticed if I get my cadence faster, my pace increases without as much effort.
I have a couple of tricks for finding that extra gear: Sometimes I use a mantra like, “Run Faster Finish Sooner and sometimes I pick a landmark and make it my short-term goal. A series of short-term goals seem more manageable than the actual mileage I have left to cover.
I do a couple of things. I love that my Nike+ lets me designate a ‘boost song’ so I pop that sucker on, and then pick short milestones. Run to that lamp post, ok, that sign, got that, ok the end of the next block. Before I know it, I’ve finished the pick-me-up song and got my ‘burst’ in.
A get-moving song always helps – Christina A.’s “Fighter” is a current favorite – but I also have been able to kick it up a notch with the help of a mantra, like “I am strong” or “I’ve got this.” I make sure my core is engaged (thank you, pilates!) and that my shoulders are down and back. This seems to help propel me forward stronger and faster.
In the back of my head I hear my coach saying “finish strong”; and I also count steps and try to make 180 per minute.
When I’m trying to pick up my pace I tell myself (as I do in labor 🙂 “its ok to feel pain, don’t avoid it, this pain is normal, push through it” It always works. Fighting the pain makes things worse. The key for me is to work with the pain not fight it.
I have a couple mantras that I repeat to pick up speed…
Now or never.
Pump arms, Reach legs.
and one I borrowed from your book… Empty the Tank!
My high school track coach, when talking me through how to survive a 1,500 meter race, taught me “you can do anything for 5 minutes”. So, I plug in the appropriate time or distance and remind myself of this fact. Also… the right song on the iPod, of course, can really help!
I look at my watch and determine how many minutes I’m going to speed up for and then I do it. Knowing that I am counting down to an “end” time makes the speed work more bearable. Until I have to do it again…
I have a special playlist on my ipod that I reserve just for fast runs or when I need to pick up the pace. I also stop looking at my heart rate monitor because when I see that number, I freak out a little and that’s a guaranteed way for me to feel the need to slow down!
The faster I run, the closer I get to finishing my run!
Focus on something up ahead – red mailbox, blue house, whatever – and tell myself I only have to run faster until I get to that thing and then when I get there I pick another thing to which I have to run faster…
I just talk to myself and say ‘pick it up Marcia, the faster you run the sooner you’re done.’
I usually find a popping song on my iPod that I know will get me moving. Lately it’s Katy Perry’s Firework.
There are several things I do…some of which I’ve read here. I sometimes have an outer body experience where I pretend I am watching a friend run and I cheer on that friend. (It’s no longer me running but her.) I control my breathing and slightly exaggerate my arm swing (I focus on driving my elbows back). I tell myself the faster I run the faster it’s over. For the Mardi Gras Half I set up my iPhone with the MapMyRun app and had it Tweet my mile splits….every time I wanted to slow down I remembered that my friends and family were “watching” me…and I sped up every time!
I actually took a tip from your book. I run like I am a string puppet. It makes me feel lighter and I actually speed up. I don’t know if it is a mind thing or what, but it definately works for me!!
I focus on my inhalations and exhalations to make them smooth and strong and deep, and I pump my arms.
When I need to pick up the pace I tell myself it won’t be this awful forever. Pain is temporary, and the satisfaction I get from finishing strong will feel so much better.
I skip ahead on my ipad for one of those songs I can’t help but run a little faster to. Music is huge for me.
I have two things that I do. I first try to pump my arms faster, hoping my legs quickly follow suit. If that doesn’t work (or when it stops working), I tell myself “Fast and Steady, Steady and Fast, that’s the way we always go” I used to have a book when I was little about the tortoise and the hare that had the tortoise saying “slow and steady, steady and slow, that’s the way we always go” and I always get that in my head when I run. But I don’t want to go slow so I just replace slow with Fast and thus have a new chant that works for me 🙂
I am definitely more of a pack horse than a race horse. There is nothing “fast” about me. However, I would like to improve my speed so when I do that I set my sights on something ahead of me and push as hard as I can. Thinking of my kiddos and how proud they will be of me someday helps too!
When I want to pick up the pace I remind myself about all those intervals, strides, hill repeats and fartleks I have run. If my legs could do it then, then they can do it now! I really try to keep my thoughts focusing on the positives. I bury those negative thoughts that have defeated me in the past and continue to move forward, physically and mentally. It doesn’t hurt to have a kick ass tune to push me either!
I have a running playlist on my iPod. Whenever TobyMac’s song “Ignition” comes on I pick up the pace. There is a line in the middle of the song that even says, “take it up a notch!” and I always do! Sometimes I listen to that song a few times in a row!
During the winter months I have to train inside (okay, not “have to”, but want to since it’s in the negatives outside, raining or snowing, and pitch black during all my available running times!) I watch tv to take my mind off the treadmill. This last year I watched re-runs of the show “Smallville” (lame, I know.) Now when I want to go faster, I envision myself looking like Superman- just a blur. I swing my arms faster, pump my legs harder, and pretend I’m going so fast that nobody can even see me. It’s pretty goofy (especially since my “Fast” isn’t really all that fast!), but it works for me!
Usually I just tell myself okay you have to go now. Sometimes if that doesn’t work I think of something that makes me mad and pretend I am going to run into it.
When I want to pick up the pace I do 1 of 2 things, depending on if I’m running solo or not. For solo runs, I just change my iPOD to one of my new super-fast-amazing-running-tunes recommend in this very website! When running with my BFF running buddy, Chelle, I just tell her: “OK, we gotta hit this pace…” and some how we both just dig in and get it done. It’s amazing what a running partner can do for your speed!
I pretend like my 4 month old daughter is crying or I take her with me knowing that there is only a short window to complete my run. Both methods are effective in helping me speed things up.
When I want to pick up the pace, I have to truly focus. I can’t have one of those wonderful runs where my mind drifts from thought to thought. I have to focus on what I am doing and tell myself to relax and not tense up. In a race I try to imagine that I am able to shift my body into another gear. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t!
Music motivates me but I also really like speed workouts on the track at the local high school. There’s something to going back to a place (a high school track) that I always tried to avoid 20+ years earlier and reaching for a goal I would have never imagined possible all those years ago. It also helps that school is usually in session so I’m not being made fun of!
I find a focal point and focus there. It might be a person ahead of me that I want to catch or a landmark, but it is easier to pick uo the pace when I have a tangible goal!
To go faster I envision what I will get to eat after the race is over! Seriously, I play certain songs to motivate myself and I try to lose myself in them.
When I want to pick up the speed I turn the ol’ iPod to one of my power songs. Your feet can’t help but move faster when your body just wants to let lose!
The best way to make myself go faster is to allow my competitive nature out just a little–I won’t be the one lagging behind my running partners during a tempo run or running off pace…I can go faster…usually, I try to keep this in check but it works well for speed motivation!
I try to find a a marker up ahead and just sprint to it. ONce I pass that marker I slow down a bit and then search for the next one, pushing harder and harder everytime. Mentally and physically I am challenging myself!
I typically do my speedwork on a treadmill. I put on my rock work out mix which has songs from Def Leppard, AC/DC, Van Halen, and ZZ top on it, and just focus on staring straight ahead and going. Something about hearing those rock songs just kicks me over the top and makes me go faster.
Knowing my neighbors are driving by makes me go faster.
When I want to pick up the pace, I press shuffle on my ipod until I find the perfect song that really makes me kick it up a notch.
When I want to go faster, I play the song “Dig a Little Deeper” from The Princess and the Frog. I lost both my parents last year, and when I hear the lines “Your daddy was a loving man, family through and through. You’re your daddy’s daughter, what he had in him you have in you” it inspires me to push myself. Both of my parents were big “achievers,” and knowing they are watching me makes me want to work harder.
I remind myself that I’m going to be the Advanced Coach for Team to End AIDS this year, for the Chicago Marathon. That I have to keep up with some pretty speedy folks helps to give me a bit of a push during regular runs. Also—speedwork drills. Always with the speedwork.
When I need to go faster, I visualize the finish line on race day and imagine my husband and our two boys cheering me on. It’s a great motivation.
Music definitely! When I hear Christina Aguilera’ s Fighter song, I instantly pick up the pace!
When I want to run faster, I really think about my running posture, arm placement, and footfall. Then I pick one of my favorite, upbeat workout songs and blast it on my ipod. It never fails.
In a race situation, I always pick someone ahead of me and work on passing them. Then I pick someone else and work on passing them. If I feel that someone I have already passed is inching their way up on me, I dig deep and push harder to keep my lead. I am a middle of the pack runner, so this strategy really keeps me busy during a race. HA!
There are a few things I do. Public shame helps me, I have a daily mile account, and I post my times and distance, and I don’t want to look like I was being lazy. Another thing is telling myself “you can do anything for X amount of time”. Also, certain songs kick it up a notch for me. One of them is “Like a G6”, which is a ridiculous song (which my three-year old knows the words to), but it has a great beat and makes me feel strong.
i tell myself the faster i go the sooner it will be over…
I have a few “fast” friends and I will ask to run with them every now and then
We all have it in us to run a little faster
I always have a few songs on my ipod that pick up the pace at certain parts of my run. My favorite pace picker upper songs are from the Eurythmics and Mamma Mia, and any rap songs!
Music! I am really slow anyway, but when I am having a hard time keeping it going at the end of a run I have a couple of songs that I will listen to over and over again that really get me going faster, and help me to finish.
I would have to say – tuck and run. Tucking my pelvis and engaging my abs really helps me keep my form while going “fast”. I just keep repeating to myself…focus….focus….focus.
I think about how the time of my last race (1/2 marathon) was about 10 minutes slower than I really wanted. Gotta train faster to get that 10 minutes!
To run faster, I try to pay attention to my cadence first. If I can get my feet to fall a little quicker, that’s the first step for me. Then, just focusing on running mechanics and breathing help me maintain the quicker pace.
Change the music immediately to “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. The part before it really kicks in never fails to motivate. I imagine that when he raps “you only got one shot” that I have to pick it up. Never fails. Even if the increased pace is shortlived 🙂
I never knew I could push myself speed-wise until I hired a trainer. And she taught me the “dreadmills.” High incline, fast pace for 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds. Do that 10 times. And after this winter of a lot of treadmill running and relying heavily on the red numbers flashing in my face, and telling my legs how fast to go with the push of a button, I am wondering how I’m going to get going this “fast” outside. And yes, I know that my fast is someone’s slow.
Ooh, those shoes are gorgeous! When I’m trying to speed up, I run on the track, even for miles-long tempo runs. I just can’t keep up the pace on roads.
Run faster. Seriously, it builds on itself, and before you know it…it can even feel good. If I’m in a race I make sure my eyes are up and on the person in front of me and I try and catch them. Passing people can be a huge mental boost…especially if you say something nice as you pass.
I tell my running partner (my dog) to GO, GO, GO!
Then those ears get to flapping and we’re hauling for home.
Carolyn in NC
I have a couple of mantras that I try to repeat as I try to run faster – If it doesn’t kill me, it was worth it! and The faster I run, the sooner I’ll be home! Both work, most times. I also try to remember that I didn’t think I could run a mile two years ago. Now I can run 13! I am capable of much more than I give myself credit for. I also tell myself if my husband can run sub 8s after a TBI a little over a year while still battling numbness on one side, stiff muscles and dizziness, I can at least give any new goal a try.
I teach in the town that I live in. When I’m starting to feel sluggish I remember that one of my students could be passing by in a car and I need to make sure I don’t look like I’m going to keel over. Sometimes a former students will get on the treadmill next to me at the YMCA. I feel it’s my duty to show them that a 40 year old (in 3 days!)can still be in shape! I’ve been interested in the minimalist shoes since reading “Born to Run”. I may teach math, but I won’t look like a geek running in those!
A few things help me pick up the pace: watching a goal ahead on the road that I have to get to, concentrating on pumping my arms more, and telling myself I am strong enough!
I focus more on my form and breathing and imagine myself at the finish line ahead of all the elites… a girl can dream right?
Definitely listening to some fast, upbeat music helps me to pick up the pace and run fast!
Music helps, but when I really want to run my fastest, I pay close attention to my form, and make sure I’m taking short, quick strides and running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. And visualizing crossing a finish line always gets me moving, too : )
I tell myself if I could deal with drug free labor I can do anything for 10min or how ever long.
I find a rockin’ song on my ipod and crank it up! Or if I’m racing I’ll pick out somebody ahead of me and try to catch him/her.
I keep telling myself that I can do it! Then I really get in the zone!!
I think of getting home to my daughter. Thinking about her and my husband makes me fly.
Music definitely gets me moving faster. My current go t0 song is Go Speedracer by by Ali Dee and The Deekompressors. I seriously cannot run fast enough when I hear that song.
What do I do when I want to pick up the pace?
I think of the people who can’t run. My husband lost his best friend to a heart attack when he was 24. My grandmother, a marathon runner, who was killed at 68. All those people inspire me because despite having nerve damage from a herniated disc, having had back surgery, and gaining 170 pounds in 4 years with three kids – I AM RUNNING. I can do it. I can continue to put one foot in front of the other and keep running. So I do and with all of these reasons in my head, I do it a little bit faster every time.
Such a great frame of mind Jennifer F. I should be more thankful for being able to get up and move.
i turn up baby got back + i automatically step it up a notch!
I do an 8 count (Like Laverne and Shirley) and then punch the air in front of me (like Rocky). I do that ALL the time for my speed work
When I want to run faster, I envision someone I want to impress is watching me. Weird I know, But I have realized that my pace always picks up after seeing someone I know drive-by. It never fails!
I tend to focus on how great the sweating and stretching will be once I walk through my front door, and chugging some not-too-cold water. You folks are so inspiring. Thanks for always making me think about the positives!
I pace myself to my music, so I hit skip to a quicker tempo if I need to . I also concentrate on keeping my strides small, as I really slow down with the wasted energy of long strides with my stubby legs.
But I know, fast is never going to be my thing. It’s ok.
I have my fast pace playlists that I use for this instances. I also wear lighter shoes instead of my heavy motion control ProGrid Stabils from Saucony which I need because I overpronate. So I will get the light shoes to spice things up once in a while. I will also try a route that I know has some downhills so I can get that feeling that I am floating and then try to continue with it when I get into flat or uphill road.
I am originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, so I also try to imagine the Raramuri tribe of runners featured in the Book “Born to Run” which was one of the main reasons I am a runner today. They are my ancesters and I try to imagine how it is like to run in the Sierra Madre, barefoot with them…
Whatever works right???
When I need to get faster I think about this one really terrible marathon I have and think about how I completed it and if I could get through that pain then there is no reason I can’t HTFU and get through the last few miles of this race! But focusing on my arm swing and foot turnover helps too. I will also skip ahead on my ipod to something really fast paced like Bombs over Bagdad by Outkast.
I tell myself that the faster I run the sooner I get HOME to water and hugs from my babies.
When I want to pick up the pace especially that sprint to the finish I always think about all the free food and drink that will be across that finish line!!
Make an all female playlist for the ipod and hit the pavement!
Pump my arms, kick my feet, and hope to hell no one’s analyzing my form!
Running and fast are not generally two words that go together when I think of myself as a runner! Pushing myself past my comfortable plod along pace is something I have pushing myself to work on. For me it is a two step process. 1. Pick a point/location that I am going to increase my pace to. 2. Pick a pumped up song and sing along. I know i probably provide alot of entertainment to passersby, but with my headphones in I dont seem to notice them
I know that it is weird, but it works for me. I start singing a mantra of sorts to a melody of a song. Like, “I’m not tired, my legs aren’t hurting. I’ve got a tight a** and I’m so happy”. In place of the melody of “I’m so dizzy, my head is spinning…” Works like a charm. 🙂
I turn up the music, try not to think and just Run!
I change up the music and that usually helps me pick up the pace.
I clap at myself to pick up the pace. I also repeat “Fitter, flatter, faster” over and over.
Getting my nice tight flat tummy back! Kids real do a number on you;)
When I want to pick up the pace I put on Beckha Shae’s Here in This Moment and my feet just seem to fly!!!
I have been working on my speed lately. I do not have the time to train for anything longer than a 1/2 right now, so I am trying to impove all my times from last year. As I increase my pace and think how much it stinks, I just think of how happy I will be when I cross the finish line this summer , even if it is just 1 second faster than last year.
I think of something really hard that I’ve been through lately, and I think about how I got through it even though I wasn’t sure I could … And then I feel like I can do anything, so I just push the pace!
I think of all the body parts that I’m not really using… I favor my right side, so I pull strength from my left… I pull strength from the movement of my arms… I relax my shoulders and pull strength from everything attached to my back. You get the idea. Use those parts that aren’t (as!) tired to pull through!!!!
Fast paced songs make me move faster
I put up the volume on the IPOD, and listen to my daughter’s playlist- Justin Bieber’s” Baby and Never Say Never” have done wonders!!
That made me chuckle… My husband would say you’re trying to run away from Bieber. I happen to like the songs though 🙂
Take a deep breath, focus on the music and lengthening my stride.
hmmmmm since I’m a very newbie runner (think a couple of weeks) picking up the pace hasn’t really been an issue for me yet. But when I want to go just a little be longer, I simply think…. “I can do ANYHTING for another 30 seconds” and then on I go!
What do you do when you want to pick up the pace?
When I’m on the “dreadmill” I envision L L Cool J’s or Marky Mark’s abs… I know I’m dating myself there, but my library still has their CD’s and they are now in my mp3 while I pound it out indoors. When I’m outside I don’t listen to anything but traffic and surrounding sounds, I think about being able to keep up with my boys. I don’t want to sit and watch them live life, I want to be out there doing it with them.
My “pick me up” is not like any other….. I grew up with an older brother who REFUSED to let me and my twin play the sports or run with his friends because we couldn’t “keep up” and he would say things like: “if you quit, you’re not my sisters”! Now, that has been over 30 years ago, and to this day…when I feel like stopping or need that rush…I hear his voice…”if you don’t pick it up, you’re not my sister”. He pulls me through everytime…. love you Darryl.
whenever I want to pick up the pace I think back to highschool when I was light and speedy, and think about catching the person in front of me (even if there is no one within a mile)…I LOVE to catch and pass people at the end of a race….so I think about that and my speed just picks right up!
When I ran my first local 5k I followed one woman with a white barrette under her ponytail. At the end I went to kick it up and pass her. When I got close she turned to me and said “Are we gonna do this?” I just started sprinting for my life! Alas it was not meant to be. Not only did she pass me, but she was laughing. We high fived at the end, but I was still furious. Whenever I get going I chant to myself “white barrette, white barrette!!!!” It may have been good fun to her, but I will never will I be in the back to see that white barrette.
I run with “fast” running partners and keep they’re pace 🙂
I tell myself if I go faster my run will end sooner. That’s usually enough motivation to increase the pace.
For me, faster is all about the music. I will skip 10 songs until I find the “right” fast tempo song that fits my mood and how fast I want to go. Loving the look of those NB shoes, BTW!!
Oh man, I am so bad at picking up the pace. However, I find it helpful to pretend I am in a race and I am catching up with someone. OK OK. I pretend my husband is in front of me and I just can’t let him beat me! Works like a charm!
nothing helps me pick up the pace better than a really good hard hitting hip hop song.
When I want to pick up the pace, I visualize myself meeting my goals, I focus on how it will feel when I do, I crank up the volume on the right song, pull my shoulders back, head up, and push it with all I’ve got. And, I confess, I talk to myself. “You can do this. You are strong. You are capable. You’re a badass mother runner!”
I have a playlist of peppy songs that keep me motivated. When I start getting tired the right song can totally motivate me to pickup the pace. I just kind of get in a zone and listen to the music and keep pushing forward. It also helps to have small goals – I tell myself I’ll keep it up until I get to a certain tree (or whatever), and when I get there I find the next thing to keep pushing to.
I hit forward on the ipod until I get to a faster song…eye of the tiger usually helps me pick up the pace ; ) and I tell myself that I need to get home before dark (it helps that I run after work)
I think of my friend who is a swimmer and tells of times in college where she was in tears from exhaustion…she would have to empty the tears out of her goggles and keep going. That’s what inspires me to push harder. And to dump out the tears. 🙂
First I have to notice that I have slowed down. Then I just will myself to go faster for a bit and see how I feel in a few minutes. Oddly enough o usually feel better. Running faster makes me feel stronger.
I think PR, let me get a PR. I totally need a new pair of shoes. With an unemployed husband, it won’t be anytime soon, but New Balance is my shoe of choice!
Music. Period. An awesome song comes on-I turn up the volume and kick it. I look at my Garmin & sometimes I’m running 1-1.5 minute faster pace then normal. LOVE IT!
I listen to a fast song on my iPod and chant to myself, “Dig, dig dig”. Gets me through a lot of speedwork.
This is tricky to explain, but here goes:
I worked in a nursing home as a CNA, in high school, and had the mixed blessing of spending a lot of time with the VERY old people who had lived a lot….89 years a lot.
I think, as I’m running….”As I’m sitting in the wheelchair, in my 90’s, how fast do I want to remember running?”
I can run with beautiful strength now.
I want to remember that.
Don’t waste it.
Hit it, girl!
I’m all about technology, so I keep an eye on my trusty Garmin. I also like to pick someone ahead of me to pass &/or keep someone behind me from passing me.
Relax my arms for a moment and then really focus on using them to propel me … the real secret thought o picking up my pace … good ol’ Rocky soundtrack songs 🙂 I used to listen to them years ago to pump me up before cross country races and so they are my “race” pace tunes – nostalgia and not just the mind but the muscles. I also use markers – get to that first tree, get to the next tree, keep going – that helps me mentally break up the challenge when increasing pace.
On my daily runs I always pick up the pace when I’m headed back toward my house. I’m usually thinking, “the faster I get home, the sooner I get that chocolate milk!”
When I want to run fast–I sleep the night before. I go to bed at 9:00, close the door, put husband on the couch(no snoring tolerated), put him charge of any middle of the night wake ups from the kids(he needs a monitor plugged in, on high, right next to his ear) and blissfully sleep. Any Mom knows you cannot totally, blissfully sleep unless someone else is reminded he is in charge, plugged in and on the couch.
During intervals when I’m trying to pick up the pace, I try to remember that I will get to recover…I don’t have to run that pace forever. I also like to use that time to remind myself that pushing my limits makes me a stronge runner.
I call it ‘getting in the zone’. The name sounds cheesy but I basically blank out my mind and completely focus on my pace and coordinate my breath with it. I try to think of nothing else and just listen to my body do it’s thing.
I remind myself mind over legs and remind myself of that my muscles are strong enough to handle this.
What makes me pick up the pace us usually thinking about how my ex-husband said that I would not make it without him. Well, I have for the past 3 years and I am better off metally, physically, and financally than when I was with him. With every step I take, I prove to myself and my son that I worth it.
I make sure to have a few songs on my playlist that will speed me up when I match my stride to the beat. It’s how I got from 10+ minute miles to almost 9 minute miles.
I’m a lover of the “fartlek”….if I want to pick up the pace, I pick out an object like a tree or lamppost or something and sprint toward it. Once I get there, I know I can Slooooooow down. It’s great exercise as well as having a beginning and an end to each sprint….not just running fast for gobs of time-it makes you feel like you accomplish mini goals over and over again.
Crank up the music! usually Pink!
On training runs I change my iPod tune to something upbeat, change my mantra to “power” and visualize the extra pounds on my derrière falling of and leaving them on the street…
Computer issues with my above post…I meant to say, mind over legs and my muscles are strong enough to handle this!
I focus on pushing my knees forward and pumping my arms harder…I really believe our biggest kicks come from between our ears!!! Brain power!! How bad do you want it? That’s how I roll anyway..,
I run mostly on a treadmill to utilize the childcare at my gym. I start running slowly (for me) but for the last 10 minutes or so, I crank it up a few notches. Why? Because I know if I can run faster, I can run further in less time. Running is hard for me but the mileage game/goals keep me going. “If I can run for 10 more minutes, I’ll have one more mile logged.” and I hit the + button….
If I want to pick up the pace, I turn on “Pump it” by TBEP. Some how I end up hopping down th road, and sometimes I throw in a skip. 🙂
To pick up the pace I bring my arms down as if I’m pulling myself with a rope and I think about my legs getting stronger with every step. I admit I enjoy a good sprint workout 🙂
I run on roads that don’t always have sidewalks or bike lanes, so there are definite areas on my runs where I do feel the need to pick up the pace, or else play ‘chicken’ with the traffic. It is a definite motivator to get through those stretches quickly, and gives me some good intervals to boot!
I like to think if I work that much harder I will look that much better in my jeans (my butt that is). Gotta work out to keep the butt in shape!
I usually know that I’m getting close to my finishing point, doesn’t matter how many miles I’ve already ran, I’ve always been able to KICK at the end of my run! It also helps that the music on my iPod is FAST, UPBEAT and able to get through to the end! 🙂
I change the song on my iPod! I start thinking about being healthier, maybe wearing a smaller size pair of jeans!
During a race, I think of my boys. During training runs, I am often motivated by a favorite song to shake my booty and pick up the pace. Ultimately, for me, it is all mental. I repeat over and over, “If it were easy, everyone would be doing it”.
Short land mark goals. I pick a spot ahead and force myself to push on until I reach it. It always helps me get going.
I try tto really focus on my breathing and keeping my body movements loose and not tensed up
When I find myself slowing down or needing a mental kick in the butt, I remind myself of all the cool things my not quite perfect body has done. I have had 3 (BIG!) boys via natural childbirth in the past 6 years. When I’m having a crummy day or run, I remind myself that another mile or 2 isn’t anything like childbirth, and I’ve done that three times.
I had a rocking good time in college and did more than my fair share of partying and hard work in my 20s. My body was out of shape as a result. As I round a corner and want to stop, I remind myself that my 35 year old body can do things my 25 year old body could never dream about. My 35 year old body could probably even kick my 15 year old body’s butt as well- I was an overweight nerd who excelled at school and avoided sports and recreation as much as I could. My inner nerd is happily working my current training plan of running my first 10 miler next month and hopeful I can work up to a half before the end of the year. I am also counting on my 45 year old body to figuratively kick the ass of my current 35 year old self based on the mileage I plan to rack up and the zen I’ve found while doing it.
I shuffle to a faster song (think Black Eyed Peas) on my iPhone, hold my head up, and remind myself that the pain is only temporary! Afterward, I pat myself on the back and marvel at how I am able to push myself harder than I ever thought I could…and then return to mommydom.
I find some poor, unsuspecting soul who also happens to be running on my route. If I can see him (it’s better if it is him!) I pick up the pace almost effortlessly. The look on his face as I breeze by is enough to keep me running fast for many miles to come.
When I need to pick up the pace iPod bring it, kick up the tunes! Also remember track in highschool, that perfect feeling of running fast and winning! Pretend I am road runner coyote fast. Usain Jamiacan gold shoe fast. Nigerian fast. You get the picture.
When I want to pick up my pace I glance at my Garmin… it is usually a nice kick in the rear. I also have a few “go to”songs that help me get going.
Switch up my music and tell myself that I’m better than I’ve ever been and when I’m done, I love the feeling of being proud of what my body can accomplish! And sometimes I tell myself “just to the next mailbox/telephone pole/corner” etc.
I tell myself, “I can do hard things,” just like my 6 year old daughter who is fighting leukemia. Every time I think I want to slow down or stop running, I just think of her and how brave she is. That kicks my butt right into gear!
When I really need an extra boost I put on music-namely Glee singing Empire State of Mind or FloRida’s Low. Then I’m kicking it up!
I run because my dad had Parkinsons and couldn’t – I run harder when I think of him….
Sometimes I come up with a mantra, but usually only if I’m really struggling to finish. In general, I just pick a more up tempo song from my running mix & try to match my strides to the beat of the music.
Music is my biggest motivator. I will just keep hitting the “next” button on my ipod until i find a beat that motivates me. Sometimes i wond just how far i can stretch the end of my run by doing that!
I visualize myself running the last 5K I was in–got a PR. It felt great, and when I think of it, it’s easy to pick up my pace. Also, the right songs on my playlist help–especially a little Black Eyed Peas!
I usually put on some harder pounding music (Five Finger Death Punch seems to do it most times. Horrible name, I know… it’s my husband’s influence!) and tell myself that the faster I move, the faster I’ll finish!
I always repeat in my head “hammer down” works every time!
I take a look at my (big) booty in the mirror, and think of that image while running to PICK. IT. UP. !!!!
When I want to pick up the pace, it’s usually because I can see the finish line…even if it’s just the street corner signaling the end of my daily run. Grit my teeth, tell myself I can do *anything* for a mere 30 seconds (or a minute, or two minutes), and fly!
I visualize myself almost done in a race…racing for a PR or sometimes a fast song comes on and I look down at my watch and my pace has picked up without me realizing it. (that’s my favorite!)
When I want to pick it up I think of the awesome mom/wife I want to be. My husband has always been my biggest fan, and he’s also super competitive – me not so much. I run to run and am also one of those people who “won’t need racing flats”. He likes to talk me up (mostly to other people, but also to our daughter and probably now our son) and is competitive for me. When I need a little burst of motivation, I just think of him and know that I don’t want to let him down. I didn’t realize this until the first race that he brought my daughter to, I had so much energy as I ran by them. The look on my daughter’s face when she saw mommy run (excited and confused) by and the excitement on my husband’s face kept me going strong and got me to dig a little deeper. Now I just think of that when I need a little more motivation or “competitive drive” as my husband says.
When I need to pick up the pace, I think of all the people I know and love who can’t be out running. They would love to be in my position, pushing themselves, regardless of how uncomfortable it is. I tell myself, “suck it up and run!”
I get fired up over some ridiculous scenario, start talking to myself and end up just a bit faster.
I repeat to myself “this is the hardest thing you are going to do today…so DO IT!” And of course a little help from Sun Children and Time Bomb on my ipod works like a charm!
I NEED those shoes! I run with my husband all the time. When we first started running and I was 70 pounds heavier, he had mercy on me. Now? there is no mercy. We are extremely competitive and secretly I think he is afraid a girl can/would beat him. When we do hill repeats and I think I’m about to pass him, he kicks it up a notch. DRIVES.ME.CRAZY. So I think those NB are just what I need to kick his booty up the hills. Girls rule!
That is awesome!!!! I hope you beat him tomorow!
Take a deep breath while getting my mojo music flowing helps me pick the pace up
Two of my children (ages 8 and 11) are competitive club swimmers. They practice 2 hours every night and frequently spend long weekends at the pool. During a recent half marathon my dad was texting me my daughter’s results at her swim meet back in Texas. Every time I got a message that she had dropped a second from one of her PRs, I told myself that I could drop a second from my next 400 yards. Any time I need a little push, I think about how hard my children push themselves to be their best. They are my inspiration.
I count numbers in my head…usually up to 500 and often it helps me get into a ‘zen’ kind of state…I count while still having other thoughts in my brain and I come in and out of my ‘zen’ state…when I need to run faster I just count faster and try to make my footsteps match!
I crank up the music to get me moving more!
My 6 year old loves to run outside with me when the weather is nice so all I have to do to pick up the pace is just try to keep up with her. Her stamina is amazing!
i pick a visual and go for it strong while focusing on pumping my arms which makes my legs keep moving!
to pick up the pace I tell myself to “run through the pain”, and then I just aim to push a little harder every stride until I hit the pace that I want.
Then when it really starts to get tough, I repeat a mantra over and over, one sylable per stride.
For some reason, it always works, and no, I’m not telling what my mantra is, ’cause it’s MINE MINE MINE!!! (as my kids say)
I think of all the people who want to run but can’t. My old training partner’s little boy was diagnosed with cancer a month before our race. It really helped thinking of both of them. What they both wouldn’t give to run right now instead of fighting for his life. Looking forward to running with both of them very soon!!
I just started getting into running this year so I’m no expert but I just put on a “power song” and that usually revs me up.
Or I think of my sister-in-law who passed away last year. She ran the NY marathon a few years ago and thinking of her makes me want to do her proud.
I turn up a favorite fast paced song to get my legs going. Then I picture that I am racing and get a good enough time to get a medal. And how proud my kids and husband will be of me. I’m hoping the day will come when one of my 5K’s (I’ve done 3 so far) are good enough for a medal and I can show my 5 kids that I can do this and I can be good at something–besides giving birth…….and doing their laundry.
Well, since I’ve just started running (did my first 5k two weeks ago), I don’t really have a mantra or anything yet. But I do find that techno music helps! There’s just something so invigorating about it to me. 🙂
I tell myself that the faster I run the quicker I’ll be done. The thought of running for 10 miles seems long until I tell myself I can do it in an hour and 20 minutes, that doesn’t seem so daunting.
I crank up a kicking song and race myself, trying to beat my last PR . I don’t need any kind of reward other than knowing it was all I had in me and I did my very best. When I reach the end of that sprint and I feel like I am spent, I do one more. No limits.
I have two thoughts I use to go faster. One is a magnet in my chest is pulling me to the finish line. Or something is pushing my behind from behind. It depends on the day if I feel like I need a push or a pull on what mental image I use. It usually works though I run faster!
I focus on my form and say over and over to myself “fast feet, light steps, fast feet, light steps”. Seems to work most of the time but when it isn’t quite enough, I end up focusing on someone running ahead of me and try to ‘chick’ them…sad but true.
My step-dad is a runner and was in great shape. But cancer has side-lined him since last summer. His goal now is just to get out and take a walk. He and my mom watch my two kids on the weekends when my husband and I go for our long runs. He always says to run an extra lap for him or how he can’t wait to run with me–always something positive and sweet. So when I’m struggling or trying to pick it up, I think of him. How positive he is and knowing how much he wishes he could be running and it makes me realize I can’t give up, quit or complain. I finish most of my runs with him always on my mind;)
I find a landmark ahead of me and tell myself I only have to sprint that far. Once I’ve made it I usually go further.
As boring as it sounds, when I want to feel faster I focus on my feet. Shorter strides, more turnover, shoulders back, chin up, tummy in~ makes me feel lean, mean, and FAST!
When I want to go faster I tell myself two things: “Relax” and “Turnover” — as in relax your shoulders and pick up the turnover in your feet. I keep telling myself these two words like a mantra. For me, running faster seems to be an exercise in focusing on my running instead of letting my thoughts wander.
When I race, the sight of the finish line helps me pick up my pace – as in “the faster I run, the quicker it’s over!”. On regular runs, as I struggle along not as fast as I’d like to, I remind myself that even though I’m not fast, I’m still doing more than most people I know – that helps me pick up my pace!!
I crank up the music, put on a power song and chant to myself “Bikini, summer, bikini, summer, bikini, summer”
I take a few deep breaths, clear my head and visulize my next race I am training for. Once I am focusing on visualizing I seem to be able to relax, before I know it a few strides later, I have picked it up, and feel relaxed and focused.
when I am in a race I think how cool it is to have one of those pictures where it looks like you are flying. When your feet don’t even touch the ground. So you’ve gotta keep running. You never when that photo op. will come. That’s my race inspiration. If I am just running the usual around the neighborhood in training mode it switches to more of a : 1. I can’t go home now. The kids/husband will need me and pester me as to why I’ve only been gone for x amount of time and not the usual. and 2. Trample the weak, hurdle the dead. Fight to the finish. It’s body verses mind. I need the body to win.
I like the fast for a minute then normal speed for three training. It gets more calories burned and miles covered than just going fast the whole time or normal speed. And increases speed and miles.
When I want to go faster, I lean forward more, focus on a point (or person) ahead of me and pull myself towards it. If that doesn’t work, then a really good beat on the zune does the trick!
For me when I have to pick up the pace, I revert back to when I needed to pick up the pace when competitively swimming (long distance events)…. I begin to sing Enya’s “Caribbean Blue”… it is a song in which I feel free and that makes me feel as if I can move without resistance. With this song in my head I begin to glide more and my pace picks up! Getting myself into a good headspace where I feel free and clear helps me to just keep moving and kick myself into a new gear. Another thing that helps me kick it into a higher gear is knowing that my husband and two year old son will be waiting for me at the finish, and that is reason enough to push harder!!
I focus on the finish line – real or imaginary- and push harder, stronger, faster towards the end. I usually start pumping my arms really hard and digging deep. It helps if I have some great music playing on the ipod to push me along as well. 😉
I replay the worst part of my week in my head and then I RUN IT OUT OF MY SYSTEM. A cleansing, of sorts.
I’m laughing at the image of the racing flats runner. I wear them, but I definitely don’t wear minimal spandex… uh, anywhere!
The best way for me to improve my pace is to run with (or near) others. I don’t do well with pacing myself in a vacuum, so I need someone to pace myself against. It could be a complete stranger on the paved trail near home, just as long as they start out ahead of me and give me a target to catch up to and pass. Mind you, I’m not at all competitive. I’m only out there for personal goals, not to beat anyone… except for that woman up there. I can totally take her!
I use landmarks when I’m running–strides to that light pole, sprint to the fire hydrant. It keeps me going — at least to the next landmark 🙂 Sometimes I’ll also concentrate on exactly how my feet are hitting and how my legs are rotating though my stride–it makes me much more efficient for a while..hopefully someday I can make all my running that efficient
I actually listen to a metronome (app on my iPhone). I focus on form and naturally speed up. Sometimes i also think about how hard it was to get time to run, away from the kids.
I have a few songs that I love and every time they come on I get an adrenaline rush, my fatigue seems to vanish (momentarily at least!) and I am able to pick it up. They are my go-to songs in a race when I need the extra kick. I also like to tell myself to just run faster for 1, 2, or 3 minutes. I tell myself that I can do ANYTHING for 3 minutes.
To go faster, I have to just keep telling myself over and over again that I need to run fast and I need to keep it up. I tell myself that I can do it and I just keep running and pushing as much as I can. I continually look at my Nike+ to see if I’ve gone as far as I was forcing myself to go. And then I go a little longer just to prove to myself that I can do it. 🙂
I think: the faster I go, the sooner it will be over!
I think: Move your arms and your legs will follow!
When I need to pick up the pace, as dorky as it sounds, I pretend someone is chasing me. It gets me movin’ every time! GREAT giveaway– would LOVE those shoes!!!!
I am a podcast runner but when I want to go fast I turn on the hip hop and get myself in badass mode. I think of a race in which I am blasting by the competition. I think about how strong I feel and how awesome it is to be able to run. When everything comes together it takes strength to another level and causes me to internally wink at myself- as if to say, you got this girl (<;
I focus on something in front of me and then try to GO GET IT! (And also, I drop my arms lower and concentrate on turning my legs over faster.)
I am a new runner. But when I want to go faster I visualize that I’ve been cut off at the waist and everything above my waistband(i.e. breathing) is un-affected by anything under the waist line. I focus on my breathing and just let my legs go…. cartoon roadrunner style. 🙂
I do a couple of things, find a favorite song on my MP3 and crank it then set a goal- say run faster just till the next telephone pole ( or .25 if on the treadmill) when I get to that goal I see how I’m feeling and usually tell myself well lets go to the next pole, repeat until I really do need to take it down a notch and let my breath even out.
I definitely have to get the iPod on the right song. Then, I tell myself that it is just for a little while. I watch the Garmin closely to try to hang on to the faster pace.
I remind myself to use my breathing to relax, and fall forward. Then I remind myself that this isn’t going to kill me and let loose.
I remember my second labor (103 fever, 12.5 hours, induced but no epidural, 9 pound baby with an enormous head), and I think,”Nothing can be harder than Margaret’s birth”. I remember that I wanted to take a break from pushing, and how THAT felt. Then, I can speed up, no problem!
Push as hard as I can, arms swinging … and see/feel that the end is in sight … good music helps, too … helps even more if you see your husband/family in the distance : )
Definitely a faster song on the iPod. That beat will keep me pushing til at least the song ends. ***And…my hubby home from deployment at the finish line. Knowing that he is proud I have taken up the challenge of running, an easy thing for him, makes me want to make him as proud of me as I m of him. 😉
Crank up the music!!
Run faster? I have never thought about this before. I just tell myself, ‘I gotta make it hurt today’ and then I try not to look at my watch the remainder of the workout…it’s never a good thing if you look at your watch during a workout…
Oh, but the faster you run, the faster it’s over…
I WISH something would make me run faster! I try listening to a little bit of faster-paced music. I also go the the track vs the road so I can work on sprints.
When I want to go fast, I imagine some guy right on my tail, trying to pass me. I won’t let that happen!
To pick up the pace, I put on some music with a faster rhythm and run to the beat…I try to lose myself in the music and just go with the beat…it really pumps me up and also distracts me so that I really don’t realize I am pushing it. I am sure these new shoes will help too 🙂
When I want to pick up the pace I put on a great song, put my head down, tell myself to do it, and think about beatingy super speedy sister in law (whom I love)…I have a competitive streak in me and it pushes me to know I’m trying to beat a family member or friend in a given feat.
I think to myself….”you can only go farther and get faster if you go farther and get faster!” I think it was from the book Born to run..one of my favorites!!
I ran in high school, but have dabbled around ever since. I’ve been running seriously for about a year and a half. Whenever I want to pick up the pace I remember earlier during this serious year and a half getting passed EASILY by a 20ish year old girl and instead of feeling blue…I PICKED UP THE PACE! I stayed a decent distance behind her, but my Garmin was as impressed as I was! Thank you 20ish something girl – your effects still linger :o)
It depends, in a race, I like to pick out landmarks (such as, ahem, the finish line). There was one half-marathon a year ago that was my fastest ever because it covered the same course four time, and that course included many turnarounds, which, I swear, made me run faster because each turnaround was a landmark.
When doing sprints or tempo runs, I have to go internal–almost like I am not looking where I am going, no longer paying attention to how far I have to go or where I am (I do, of course, have my eyes open).
When I want to pick up the pace, I tough talk myself. 🙂 Like, “is that really all you’ve got, suck it up, etc.” Always seems to work!
I play one of my ‘go to’ kick up the pace songs – like Proud!
I put on a power song and pump my arms – I can get going so fast that I think I am going to take off…and that lasts for about 30 seconds and then I am BEAT!!!
Gosh, I didn’t know a babysitter could lighten your load, but I have paid the babysitter $140, which is the cost of the my last pair of running shoes. But that’s where the similarities end. What makes me pick up the pace is “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones or if I’m in a race, I always have a little burst left at the end.
I search for one of the songs that I love with a fast beat and some motivating words and turn it up really loud, focus on something down the road and tell myself the “pain” is only temporary, you can do this!
I find that going out with a time limit on my run, rather than a goal distance, works. I am trying to squeeze in as many miles as possible and that is VERY motivating. I find I go so much faster when someone is waiting (somewhat patiently) for a ride, an appointment, their own run, etc. at the other end.
When I want to pick up the pace; I have 2 options: 1. I find a song on my ipod that just begs to be sprint to, or at least has a great beat so that I can focus on it and not my lungs for a while! And 2. I envision a crowd. Better yet, I envision someone particular in a crowd; say, my mom/husband/kids/high school mean girl… and then I just let loose and go (showing off basically!) Of course when I am daydreaming, it doesnt hurt to throw in a beautiful finish ribbon flying across my chest 🙂
I usually just go to my happy place, let the music take over, and put the hammer down.
To pick up the pace, I just have to keep working on it by doing speed drills and interval training. Not funny, not exciting. Just work that pays dividends.
I always want to pick up the pace at the end of my runs, especially my long runs. I just keeping, if I run faster, I’ll get done faster. I really push myself when I see the end.
Two things…first, I hit “next” on the iPod until I get an upbeat song, and then I tell my arms it’s up to them. When I am really tired my legs are dying, but I can trick them by focusing on my arms and then my legs have to follow even when they don’t want to.
Three things: take an extra-deep breath every minute or so that feels like it’s making me lighter and reassures me I’m not getting too winded, play “Human” by The Killers (always my last song of a run), and picture myself in 10 years (strong and fab at 56) holding my future grandbaby. All three at the same time and I’m flying!
I invite “steve” for a run. Steve is what I named my virtual partner on my Garmin. I pick a quick pace and run like a mother to kick steve’s A**! and I have been known to yell I can do this at the very top of the hill!
I fast forward to my fav. song on my playlist and blast it! Works every time I beed a boost!
I have certain songs on my ipod that I switch to when I want to increase my pace. And sometimes all the motivation I need is that I want to get it over with faster. 🙂
What do you do when you want to pick up the pace?
Just focus on a point ahead and race to it. Then pick another and keep sprinting and recovering, pretty soon it’s more sprinting than recovering.
s.c.
What keeps me running? Thinking about my children’s birth families in Ethiopia with lack of food, clean water, medical supplies… I continuously pound out ways to partner with them and find resources, solutions… I thought I had it tough…
“Pump It” by the Black Eyed Peas does it for me every time.
Promise myself pancakes. 🙂
I turn my music up and kick up the beat.
I envision my body has a machine, and my heart the motor that keeps me going, each breath I feel through my heart, and the power it’s producing going straight out through my toes. If I focus on that, I find myself flying (possibly from hyperventalating…) 😛
I admit – I don’t have a fast pace. I do pick up my pace when the crazy dog in the electronic fence comes racing at me! I always wonder if he’ll just run through it one day.
I think about anything that is making me anxious or angry and channel it into my running. I also visualize the PR that I want at my next race.
I GET OUT OF MY HEAD! And then I plaster a smile on my face and chant “I feel good – GO! GO! GO!”
If I am solo, I count my footfalls and make them more frequently touch the ground. If I am with my husband, I try to keep up with him! I also think about a race where I had a PR – I push out the thought that the speedy time will never happen again and turn it into a thought of I CAN run that fast!
What do I do to make me run faster? I write down my time that I want and try and hit it or even better beat it.
I take my focus off the physical and switch on the mental. I remind myself that to “dig deep” you’ve got to be mentally strong and that NO ONE is stronger than me when I set my mind to something!!! I repeat over and over “I am strong!” as I’m pushing myself faster.
To pick up the pace, I rely on music with a fast beat. Overall, when I am rocking out to fast-paced music, I can easily run a lot faster. For a temporary burst of speed, I will often use the chorus of an upbeat song to inspire me to run faster (and I tell myself that I can slow down when the chorus ends). A few of my current ‘fast’ songs are Pink’s “Raise Your Glass”, Avril Lavigne’s “What the Hell”, and Katy Perry’s “Hot and Cold”.
I just keep repeating “you are awesome! you are awesome!’ or start mentaly singing “Eye of the Tiger” to get me going again!
to pick up my pace, I start repeating a mantra, such as “One more step closer, one less to go”. Starts to feel like I’m actually getting somewhere!
I put on a song that has a fast beat and match my footsteps to the beat to pick up the pace. Or I pick a landmark ahead and race there. I’ve never been fast, but I usually find that I can pick it up enough to get a nice endorphin rush!
Thanks for the giveaway…I need some new shoes! 🙂
Music!!! Crank up the music! Perhaps next weeks giveaway should be some hearing aids for the damage I’m doing! 😉
Imagining crossing the finish at my first 5 k this summer, and hoping the family is surprised to see me already!
All my speed training has to be done on my treadmill, and it’s best if my husband is home and can hear me pounding out the miles. 9 minute miles are as fast as I go, so all I do is think how impressed he or someone will be. Yeah, I’m THAT girl.
Music is everything for me when running. If a slower song comes on, I tend to slow down. So when I am wanting to speed it up, I crank up the fast, most upbeat song I can find!
When I want to pick up the pace, I create a beat or a count in my head that increases the rhythm of my foot strikes
I still haven’t found a way for me to pick up the pace…I really don’t like the pain of running faster, but after reading so many of these posts, I will try again and think about how pain is only temporary.