The Mental Game

Running is such a mental sport, particularly endurance running.  On a long run, you have a lot of time to spend inside your own head thinking so you better have some good stuff to focus on!  Doubts and distractions, especially on race day can derail your attempts if you let them creep in. 

Some strategies I use to avoid any negative thinking are:

Pick a Mental Mantra 

A few short words that help you stay calm and focused.  Repeating that mantra over and over whenever you need to refocus will help direct your mind away from any negative thinking.  I’ve played around with some over the years and these are my favorites:

“Run the Mile You Are In”

“Better. Faster. Stronger”

 “This is What You Came For”

“Trust Your Training”

“Finish Strong”

               

Visualize the Finish

We all know that in sports psychology they talk a lot about visualizing the outcome you want and this is so true in running.  When I first started running, I would visualize simply just crossing the finish line.  That simple fact alone meant that I had completed whatever race I was doing and that I could finally rest…lol.  Now I will focus on the feeling of crossing the finish line strong with a new PR! 

Focus on Your Inspiration

For me this is where I focus on my family during the race.  They give me so much joy and energy during a race.  Whether its thinking about Landon’s little baby giggles and smiles, or Preston’s laughter and smile, or my husband standing at the finish line in the freezing cold temperature waiting to give me a high five and big hug.  These 3 have been my escape many times during the long training runs when my legs started to feel heavy or my body tired – they give me the drive to keep pushing and they will no doubt play a large role for me on Saturday.