When I go for a run, I never run at the track or do loops around my neighborhood. If I stayed close, I would always cut my run short because I got uncomfortable or tired. I don’t have the mental fortitude to push myself harder, so I need to trick myself into running longer and faster.
Instead, I run big loops or follow an out-and-back path. When I want to run six miles, I’ll run three in a straight line away from my house, then I have to run three back. I don’t have any choice but to run the entire six miles. I’m feeling fresh at the beginning, so the first three miles are a piece of cake. The last three miles might be slower and I curse my earlier self the whole time, but I’m building my distance and pushing myself.
Next time, I’ll run three and a half miles out.