Mind over Miles

There’s a mantra on a GoneForaRUN.com product that says ‘Running is a mental sport…we’re all insane”  That statement holds a lot of truth…(except for the insane part although some people do think we are! ).  The most important part of the runner’s body is not their legs or cardiovascular system but their brain. The mind is so powerful and to reach their goals they need to harness its energy.

Runners train their brain to fight through negative emotions and temporary pain.  The ‘mind games’ and brain training is essential for a runner to be successful and to enjoy running.  An example of an effective ‘mind game’ that runners employ is to divide the race distance into sections.  Instead of counting off each mile and only focusing on the finish line they mentally divide the race into sections.  For a marathon for example some divide the race up into 10k, 10miles, 13.1 (half way) and 20 miles.  This strategy is used by many runners and it works well.

[caption id="attachment_1282" align="aligncenter" width="300"] It takes mental toughness to reach your goals.[/caption]

“Negotiating a marathon requires many of the same mental characteristics needed in life. You have to control your emotions at times, activate your motivation when you’re down, and develop resiliency in the face of difficult conditions.”  Dr Jeff Brown, a Harvard psychologist and author of “The Winner’s Brain”.

Tearing down emotional roadblocks and managing pain so you can reach your individual goals are just of few of the lessons the miles teach us runners.    Just like in life “ You get out of it what you put into it”.

Stay tough, stay true to your goals and enjoy the journey!  Remember…its mind over miles.

Happy Running