3 Secrets Of Mental Strength

Your brain can push you further

IF YOU WANT TO run your best, there’s no way around it: it’s going to hurt. Whether you’re racing a mile or a marathon, the ability to push through pain is what lets you translate training into a brag-worthy finish. Even if you’re running for fitness, you’ll need to keep pushing your limits to see progress as your body becomes more efficient.

Studies at the University of Cape Town show that the brain may ‘shut down’ your body when you still have more to give. Participants performed high-intensity exercise for as long as possible. When they tapped out, researchers stimulated their muscles, which contracted with great force.

Samuele Marcora, director of research at the University of Kent’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, explains that while we run, our brain weighs up ‘perception of effort with our motivation to succeed’. When the former outweighs the latter, we slow or stop. So changing how we perceive effort and/or boost motivation could help us get more from our bodies.