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Running 26.1 miles is one hell of a grueling challenge that many people love the idea of completing and putting themselves to the test too, but many people fail to realize the challenge isn’t so much a physical one, but more a mental mountain to climb.
However, with the right mindset, some positive affirmations, and the knowledge to know what to look for to ensure you keep your head in the game from start to finish, running a marathon is something you can easily achieve.
Taken from personal experience of past marathon runners and professional athletes, let’s explore how to run a marathon in your mind and how to get yourself ready and prepared to take things to the next level!
Related; Barefoot Running Shoes Review.
Tips To Run A Marathon In Your Mind
Listen and Adjust to Your Voice
The ‘inner voice’ literally refers to the voice in your head that talks to you pretty much all the time. Listen to this voice while you’re training and while you’re running the marathon; and any other time of your life.
Listen to the words you’re saying to yourself. Listen to the tone of voice and how you’re speaking to yourself. Are you putting yourself down or talking to yourself negatively? If so, this isn’t going to motivate you, so become positive and encouraging to yourself!
Visualize Your Goals in Your Head
One of the best ways to stay motivated through training and the actual run is to close your eyes or internalize the image of crossing your personal milestones and crossing the final finish line.
Imagine the feelings of how you’re going to feel when you cross it and how much accomplishment you’re going to feel. Push yourself to feel these feelings legitimately.
Envision the Worst That Can Happen
While it’s essential to think of the good things, it can be beneficial in some cases to be mindful of how your mind is drifting onto the worse-case scenarios. Think logically about the worst ideas your mind can think of, and then believe realistically whether that’s going to happen or not.
The chances are it’s probably not, so you can dismiss these pesky thoughts, and focus on the ideas that are going to push and motivate you across the finish line.
Take Training Breaks to Stay Focused
While you’re training for your marathon, it’s essential to allow yourself to give yourself mental breaks. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of constantly pushing yourself, but breaks are just as important as the hard work.
Throughout your journey, make sure you’re taking the time to have time off to invest in other things. Whether that’s riding your MyProScooter, watching TV, or spending time with loved ones, make sure you have balance in your life!
Develop a Routine
The mind can achieve things much more effectively once you turn it into a habit. To successfully develop a habit, you’re going to need a routine. Craft a running routine that you stick too, and both your mind and body can benefit from this.
Take Things One Mile at a Time
Running a marathon is a mental endurance challenge like no other. When you set off on the day, the idea of running so many miles is daunting, and can instantly crush your confidence and self-esteem.
Instead, focus on running one mile at a time. Do one, then another, and so on. These small targets make it so much easier to run, and you can feel accomplished with every mile you achieve, ensuring you’re able to push further and further.
Take in Your Surroundings
When it comes to race today, it’s very easy to find yourself stuck in your head, and this isn’t going to do you any favors. Instead, look around and absorb the atmosphere of the event. Look how much support there is around you, and how many people are in the same position.
The hype of the marathon is very real, so embrace it and allow it to flow through your blood through every breath, ultimately boosting you and what you’re able to achieve.
Just Smile
The act of smiling can do so much for your confidence. Even smiling, even if you’re forcing it through the pain of running, releases dopamine (the happiness chemical) into your brain, and this is only going to help you perform to the best of your ability.
Be Present, Be Focused
It’s easy to let your mind wander around while you’re running, and while this can be great for taking your mind off what you’re doing, it can sometimes go the other way and start holding you back, especially when it comes to negative self-talk.
When this starts to happen, come back to the present moment. Look at the people and the crowds around you. Use all five senses to bring yourself into the moment and cease the dangerous thoughts that can cloud your judgment.
Be Proud of Yourself
Last, but certainly not least, remember that what you’re doing is an incredibly amazing thing, so be proud of it! From your first training run to the moment you cross the finish line, you’ve accomplished what so many people wish they had the capacity to do.
You’re amazing.
Summary
There’s no denying that running a marathon is no easy feat, but by focusing your attention on both your mind and body, there’s no reason why you accomplish what you set out to achieve. Embrace your journey and be proud of yourself. You’ve got this.
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