Running long-distances runs can be hard, especially if we’re not in the right space mentally and not focusing on our running plan. This is where it’s important to have mental tips for long runs to get us to the finish line feeling happy.
These mental tips will not only give us the mental strength to complete a long run, they will also give us the confidence and positive mindset to perform our next run. Finishing our long runs positively, will motivate us and make us feel strong and happy to be able to keep running long distance.
Mental toughness boils down to confidence, consistency, control, determination and focus. These qualities combined with adequate preparation before a run can serve to boost our performance on a run.
Here are 6 mental tips for long runs to help you run stronger for longer.
6 MENTAL TIPS FOR LONG RUNS
1. GIVE YOURSELF A NICE POSITIVE SELF TALK
Positive affirmations and positive self-talk can go a long way to boost our confidence and self-esteem when practiced regularly.
On the morning of our run, we should practice positive affirmation:
“I can do this.”
“I am prepared for this run.”
“I have it in me to complete this run to the best of my ability.”
“I am proud of myself that I have come this far.”
Over time, these positive affirmations soon become beliefs, wiping away any negative self-talk and negative mindset.
2. BREAK UP YOUR RUN
If we’re planning to run our longest run ever, it can quickly become overwhelming when we think about all those kilometres.
Whether it’s 8k-16k-32k or 48 kilometres, it helps to break it up into smaller distances to make the run seem more manageable. If we’re running 32kms, we should break it up into four 8 kms runs.
At the start of each new run, we should think that we’re starting out on a brand new run. To visualise ourself with a fresh pair of legs and just focusing on getting to the end of that segment.
3. THINK OF THE POST-RUN REWARD
This is probably one of my favourite mental tips for long runs and it has worked well for me on a number of runs.
Choose a nice reward if you complete the run. This could be a nice hot or cold shower, a delicious cup of coffee, a healthy delicious protein and carbs recovery snack or meal or simply a nice relaxing, restoring stretching session. This will give us something to look forward to after the run and will motivate to complete it.
To treat ourself, we can finish our run near a nice coffee shop and park up for a nice snack and coffee once we finish our run. It’s a good and motivating best way to start our weekend after a long run.
4. VISUALISE YOURSELF CROSSING THE FINISH LINE
Picture yourself crossing the finish line and try to visualise your goal time displayed on your watch face.
Imagine what you’ll be thinking, how happy you’ll feel and how proud you’ll be of your achievement.
This works well if we’re training for a race and at the finish line there’s a crowd of cheering people and a medal to look forward to.
5. CHOOSE A NICE AND INTERESTING ROUTE
If we struggle to fight off the boredom on long runs, we should pick a route that’s varied and interesting. If we’re not stimulated or excited by our running route, this can quickly interfere with our race game and push us off track.
We should choose a route that will not only offer us stimulation on our run, but also allow us to perform at our best. If we’re trying for a personal best, it’s best not to pick some complicated technical trails.
6. REMEMBER IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY
If long-distance running was easy, everyone would be able to do it. Remember that a long run is hard on our body and mind, so we can’t be too discouraged if we have some stress now and again when preparing for our run.
We are taking on a challenge and the challenges we face will serve to make us a stronger runner and human being.
Focus On Nice Mental Awareness, Support Your Nice Long-Distance Runs With Mental Positivity and Happiness, Feel Strong And Super Fit, Enjoy Every Run!
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