Mental Training For Runners - 5 Sneaky And Simple Mind Tricks For Better Running Performance

For a better running performance, you should train your mind as well
your body. In fact, elite runners have concluded long ago that running
is 95% mental and 5% physical, as a result, proper mind training can
make a big difference on the road.So here are a few tips and
strategies for better mind training for runners or any fitness
enthusiasts.Find a mantra It doesn't have to be in Sanskrit, just pick
a word or a phrase you find uplifting and can take your mind off any
negative thought pattern that can hinder your running performance.
Repeating the mantra constantly will help you to stay focused and
centered on the road. My favorite mantra is "run long and
prosper".RelaxationA relaxed mind is the key to sustaining yourself
throughout an unpleasant run. If you panic and worry about whether you
can make it or not, you will be creating extra tension and stress on
your body, this will get in the way of your performance like nothing
else. Hence, practice relaxation when running, breathe deeply into any
discomfort or tension you may feel, and just let it fade away with
every step you take.Training journal Starting a running journal is the
best way to monitor your progress and keep you closed to and focused
on your vision. You could journal your running experience, how many
miles you ran, how it felt during the run and after etc... This may
sound nerdy and boring but it works like magic; how will you know what
do if you don't know what you did? Knowledge is powerHold someone
accountableHuman beings crave for social acceptance and dread
rejection, this is not a logical process, it is deeply ingrained
within our biological makeup and there isn't much we can do about it.
But you can use it to your advantage by holding a friend accountable
for your running schedule.Call a friend (whom you don't like a lot!)
and let him know that you are scheduling 3 running sessions this week,
but if come short on your promise, then he will choose a realistic
punishment for your set back; the penalty is usually
financial.Non-resistance Non-resistance is the cornerstone of
acceptance. If you resist something, it will persist; thus you should
practice accepting discomfort, pain and emotional turmoil when
running; this can teach you how to manage your energy and emotions
more efficiently instead of wasting it on trying to control the
uncontainable. Resistance will only make your running session harder.