RUN BETTER
BY USING YOUR BRAIN
The right psychological mindset is something that professional runners cultivate and use for competitions. However, amateurs can benefit from certain psychological techniques, too.
h Know why you’re running. A clear goal allows you to overcome obstacles when you encounter them, as you always will sooner or later. For example, if you know you want to run a half-marathon, it is easier to keep hurdles in training in perspective as you focus on that goal.
h Once you know that long-term goal, define short-term goals to help you achieve it. For example, aim to run steadily for a certain distance or time. Or you could choose an aspect of your attention, form or attitude to focus on.
h Use imagery. Envision the runner you want to be and imagine running alongside that person with all your five senses. Parts of the brain do not distinguish between imagining an act and actually doing it. Said differently, parts of the brain do not differentiate truth from falsehood, so use it to your advantage.
h Use positive language. If our minds are empty, they tend to become flooded with negative self-talk. Our most primal wiring is for survival rather than growth so we must train ourselves into a growth mindset. Write down a list of positive words that boost your morale and fill your training and race routines with them.
It is also useful to choose a time of day that best suits you and promotes your mental and physical health. In fact, elite professionals set most records mid-afternoon when the body is at its physical and mental peak.
Morning runs get your metabolism off to a good start and can be an excellent way to set your mental tone for the day. One word of caution though, make certain you allow time to warm up. You also need to take into account that your body may miss some sleep.
Lunchtime runs favored by the officeworker can be a great way to clear the head and mentally refocus the remainder of your day. Your body is probably at its best at that time. To allow for changing, showering and eating in an hour, keep your training to short-intervals and sprints. A jog does not have to be a 45minute continuum.
Night runs are a great de-stressor both physically and mentally after work. This is a nice time to clear your mind and make the transition from work life to home life so you are completely present when you are with your loved ones. You also tend to feel faster at night. Just don’t go home from work and sit on the couch first, or you might not get up again.
Angie Ferguson is an exercise physiologist and Tony Robbins Results Coach from Fort Myers, Florida. She also is a Corrective Biomechanics Specialist, USA Triathlon Advanced Level 2 coach, USA Cycling coach, has a Specialty in Sports Nutrition certification, and a PHD in results! For more training tips, contact her at www.gearedup.biz