Every runner faces those moments when self-doubt creeps in—whether it’s during a long training run or in the middle of a race.
The voice in your head that tells you to quit, that you’re not strong enough, or that you’ll never make it to the finish line.
I know it sucks.
But here’s the thing: self-doubt is part of the process, and it doesn’t have to define you. Easier said then done, but please give me a chance to explain myself.
In this article, I’ll share the mental strategies that have helped me push through those tough moments and finish stronger.
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning whether you’re cut out for running, you’re not alone. Keep reading—this guide is for you.
1. The Voice of Doubt
We all know that voice in our head. The one that says, “You’re not made for this.” Or, “You’re way too slow.”
That voice? It’s a pain in the ass.
I cannot count how many times during long runs where everything felt wrong. My legs were like bricks, my feet were screaming, and I felt like I was running through quicksand.
When you’re in that dark place, doubt hits you like a freight train. “Why am I doing this? I can’t do this. I should just quit.”
But here’s the thing: pushing through that moment is the real win. It’s not about crushing your pace or hitting a PR—it’s about deciding to keep moving when everything in your body says, “Nah.”
So, what do I usually do when I’m in that dark place? I focus on getting to the next mile. I didn’t worry about pace, just about finishing. And you know what? When I cross that finish line, I always feel damn proud.
I had beaten that voice in my head. Self-doubt didn’t win. I did.
2. Death, Taxes, & Self Doubt
Let’s be real—self-doubt is going to pop up.
In fact, I’d go as far to claim that self doubt is just like death and taxes – inevitable.
And if it doesn’t, you’re probably not pushing hard enough.
My experience has taught me that doubt doesn’t disappear because you get stronger—it’s always there, lurking, especially when you’re digging deep. It’ll sneak in when you least expect it, making you question your abilities. But here’s the trick: don’t listen to it. Just keep running.
Self-doubt isn’t some enemy you can vanquish forever. It’s like that annoying friend who shows up uninvited. But you don’t need to give it power. Some days, you’re gonna feel like a beast—flying through the miles like they’re nothing.
Other days, you’ll feel like you’re dragging a car behind you. On those days, yeah, the doubt can hit hard. But those days don’t define you. It’s just part of the game.
3. Mental Training: How to Reframe Self-Doubt
You know what? I’ve stopped fighting the doubt. Now, I turn it into mental training. Instead of letting those negative thoughts control me, I use them to fuel my runs.
Sounds pretty out there? I promise you it’s that spooky.
One thing I do a lot is self-talk. I know, it sounds cheesy, but it works.
When the doubt creeps in—“You’re too slow,” “You’re gonna burn out”—I flip it. I tell myself, “You’ve put in the work. You’re stronger than you think. Keep going.” It’s like having a little pep talk in your head while your legs are about to fall off.
That’s the key—turn the negative thoughts into something that pushes you forward.
Sure, it sounds corny, but when you’re three miles into a tough run and you’re feeling like a zombie, telling yourself, “I’ve got this,” actually makes a difference. It might be the only thing keeping you from calling it quits.
If you really disagree with me, then I challenge you to go out there and try it for yourself.
And of course, I got more tricks up my sleeves. Let’s get to the next one.
4. One Bite At A Time
Here’s a trick that’s saved me countless times during long runs and tough races: break the run into smaller chunks.
Seriously. When I look at a 20-mile run or a brutal race ahead, I want to puke just thinking about it. It feels like an insurmountable mountain.
So, what do I do? I break it into bite-sized pieces.
Instead of thinking, “20 miles to go,” I think, “Let’s just make it to that next mile.” I’ll focus on getting to the next water station, then the next, then the next. It’s about turning a huge, overwhelming task into a series of small, manageable ones. And when you knock out those smaller chunks, it makes the whole thing seem doable.
5. The Training Never Lies
This is a big one: trust the work you’ve done.
When self-doubt starts making you second-guess everything, remind yourself that you’ve put in the miles. All those early mornings when you didn’t feel like getting up, those tempo runs that made you want to cry, and the long weekend runs when everyone else was hanging out—it all counts.
When doubt hits, I just tell myself: “I’ve done the work. I deserve to finish strong.” Sometimes, it feels like the finish line is a million miles away, but I know that everything I’ve done up until that point is going to pay off.
So when that voice tells me I’m not good enough, I tell it to shut up. I’ve earned this.
6. Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a game-changer when you’re battling mental barriers during a run. When your legs are on fire and your mind starts spiraling, focusing on the present moment can snap you out of it.
I’ve gotten pretty good at checking in with my body during tough runs. I ask myself, “How’s my breathing? Are my shoulders tense? Is my stride efficient?”
Instead of focusing on the pain, I bring my awareness to the present. It doesn’t take the pain away, but it shifts my focus and helps me deal with it. So next time you’re struggling, try focusing on your breath and your form. You’ll be surprised how much it helps.
7. Visualize To Materialize
Visualization isn’t just some athlete’s fluff—it actually works.
Before every big race, I close my eyes and picture myself crossing the finish line. I picture my legs feeling strong, that final burst of energy, and the pride of finishing. I look at it as sort of mental rehearsal that prepares me for the real thing.
It might sound a little woo-woo, but research backs it up—mental imagery helps reduce anxiety and boosts motivation. So next time you’ve got a big race, spend a few minutes visualizing yourself smashing it. The mind is powerful, and using it to prepare for success can make a huge difference.
Quick Tip:
Whenever a negative thought pops up during your run, challenge it with a positive one. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just something simple that helps you keep going.
Actionable Takeaways/Exercises:
If you take anything from today’s rant, then please the following with you:
- Daily Self-Talk Exercise. Start replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. When you hear “I can’t do this,” replace it with “I’m improving every day.” Make this a daily habit, and watch how it shifts your mindset.
- Visualization Challenge. Before your next race or long run, take 5 minutes to visualize yourself crossing the finish line. See it, feel it, and get your body ready to crush it.
Let’s Talk Self-Doubt
Now, I want to hear from you—how do you battle self-doubt during your runs?
Do you use self-talk, mindfulness, or visualization to push through? Drop a comment below and share your strategies. We’re all in this together, and by sharing our tips, we can help each other break through those mental barriers.