by Trainer Adam Pangrac
Before I get into workouts, fueling, dynamics, or other running strategies, I’d like to touch on something that I believe is far more crucial to success. Before leaning how, it is important to understand why. Why did you sign up for FSR, what are you passionate about, how are you driven, and where does your motivation come from? Mental training is the key to successfully navigating the training process.
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Running often comes with a high level of emotion. I wouldn’t consider myself an emotional person, yet within one mile I’ve felt
like crying, laughing, and punching myself in the face. The 22nd mile of a marathon may seem like an emotional roller coaster or an ongoing battle between body and mind. What we choose to center our thoughts on during these moments can make all the difference. This is why many elite runners like Galen Rupp and Jordan Hasay regularly consult sports psychologists.
Very few people expect physiological endurance to come naturally, but they assume psychological strength does. This is not true, mental skills can and should be developed throughout the training process. As mentioned last week, I had to change the way I thought about running before it became enjoyable.
Negative thoughts can ruin your race, but they will first limit your training. Pessimism and negative thoughts often lead to slowing down, cutting a workout short, or skipping workouts all together. A positive outlook can go a long way, or in our case, help us run greater distances at a faster pace. Mentally strong runners use their thoughts to build belief in themselves. They are generally process-oriented with a clear understanding of what they want to do and why.
We all have something that gets us fired up, a reason to get out there and give it our all. Maybe you want to set a new PR, prove a friend wrong, improve your health, build self esteem, raise money for charity, or develop a way to manage stress. I encourage you to figure this out for yourself and make it a focal point during your run. When things get tough, use it as a source of optimism. If you feel comfortable, share it with others in the group during your long run this weekend.
My grandmother passed away last year just before I ramped up my training for the Twin Cities Marathon. She loved that I was a runner and had always encouraged me to get out there and give it my all. I found myself constantly thinking about her through long runs and in the midst of grueling workouts, reminiscing of all the great times we had shared together. When it came to the end of the race, I knew what to focus on.