By Curt Davies
Running long-distance requires more than just having a physically able body. In fact, without having a strong, positive mindset during and before the run, it can be among the most strenuous, difficult tasks you ever set out to achieve. Here are some suggestions for building a positive mindset when training for and running a race, whether it be a marathon, half-marathon, or triathlon.
Surround yourself with positive people
When you surround yourself with positive people, it’s likely that their positivity will brush off on to you. As much as possible, try to minimize your interaction with negative people and instead find groups who share similar interests with you and strive to be happy and outgoing. Even if you’re a little timid and shy, surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people can help you break out of your shell. A great way of doing this is to join sports, or even go on Meetup and see if there are any long-distance running groups around your area. This is a great way to make lifelong friends with similar interests.
Remind yourself that you can do it
Every morning and night, even long before race day, you need to reassure yourself that you can do it, and you’re not going to fail. A positive mindset is fundamental when running a long-distance race. Even if you don’t really feel you can do it, saying “I can do it” out loud can help you build your confidence, and eventually, you will genuinely believe you can do it. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t think you can initially run the race – most people begin with this mentality, because let’s face it, these races are challenging, and can feel unattainable at times, even for the best of runners. It may be a good idea to begin with a 5k race, and then build your way up.
Be a healthy eater
Having a healthy diet equates to a healthy mindset. Put the junk food away, and start eating healthier, more natural foods. Although it may not seem like eating more healthy foods will impact your mentality, I can assure you that you will feel better after just one or two days of eating less junk. I’m not saying you shouldn’t treat yourself to a chocolate bar now and then, but make sure it’s only occasionally, not on a regular basis. Remember: Having a positive mindset when you’re over 30 can be more challenging than it was when you were younger.
Think of things you appreciate in life
Think of all the people and things in your life that you appreciate. All of us are more fortunate, in many ways, than a lot of people in developing (third-world) countries. The fact that you’re able to pay to run long distance, and even read this article on a device, should help put things into perspective of how good you have it. We genuinely have a good life; running makes it that much better!
Stay focused on what you want to achieve
Whether you’re hoping to simply finish a race or to make a certain time, it’s important that you stay focused on that goal, and not so much on other things (with exceptions of family and friends). Treat yourself with a good movie or a nice bottle of wine every now and then, but don’t forget about what you want to achieve with your race, and do whatever it takes to ensure you can achieve it. The months before running the long-distance event are crucial; use them to work hard and train for the race, physically as well as mentally.
Set realistic goals
Instead of wishing you could be as good as Joan Benoit or Frank Shorter, start wishing you were as good as you can personally be. There’s nothing worse than setting an unrealistic goal and not even getting close to achieving it. All you’re going to get is an overwhelming sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction from what should have been a positive experience. It’s best to set a goal you think you can achieve, not something that is beyond your capabilities.
Having a positive mindset is essential for every long-distance runner. By following these suggestions, you are guaranteed to go from Negative Nancy to Positive Polly.
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Curt Davies is a marathon enthusiast and has built his own website located at www.marathondriven.com. It’s stacked with information and other goodies regarding marathon running and training for those over the age of 30. Visit his site to find out more about Curt and what he writes about.
