Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just starting to do the odd jog here and there, most athletes and fitness experts will tell you that success is all in your mind. When you’re running a marathon, even if you’ve undertaken the best training regime possible, it all counts for nothing if your mental wellness isn’t strong enough to carry you through the race.
You need to be in good mental health and shape in order to perform at your best physically, as not only can a strong and healthy mind give you an internal push when your motivation begins to flag, but it can also do so much more for your wellbeing when you’re running. It is a proven fact that exercise helps to reduce stress, and this can feed into every aspect of your daily life, so how do you develop a more positive mindset, mental strength and more confidence?
1. Visualise it
Everyone struggles during a run, but those who make it through do so because they can picture themselves achieving their goal. How did you feel last time you finished a run? Hold on to that feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment and use it as your motivation for this one.
2. The Early Bird…
Do you plan to go running after work but then never get around to it? Daily life seems to have a habit of getting in the way of your plans, so seize your chance by setting your alarm early and running with the sunrise. Not only does it ensure you do your daily exercise before the day even begins – which is a very virtuous feeling – but running early allows you to grab a peaceful hour to yourself, clear your mind and get set up for the day ahead.
3. Chart Topper
You can easily lose track of how far you’ve come, but this can be a great motivation to get you where you need to go next. Keep a visual record or chart somewhere easily accessible in the house, and note down your weekly mileage, or time of your runs, to see exactly what you’ve achieved. You could even write down a projected goal on your chart for a week’s time, and plan a little reward if you achieve it.