How to Remain Motivated During Distance Running
Ideas to Stay Focused for Endurance Training and Marathons.
Aug 12, 2009
Long distance running can get really boring and old fast. When training for a marathon, where you have to build on distance each week, passing the same houses, trees, lampposts etc. will make running overly burdensome. Trick the mind and keep it occupied and engaged in something other than the run to fight against mental degradation.
Running with Powerful Positive Music
Every runner should run with music. There is no question about it. Music gets the runner pumped and ready to go. Getting lost in a song while running makes the runner forget about any aches and chafes he or she is experiencing. Music should always be uplifting and at a fast speed. The body reacts to music it hears, and if the mind is listening to slow depressing songs this could make the brain more receptive to slower movements, and faster mental breakdown.
Runners should create a playlist on an mp3 player like an iPod or Zune titled "running list" to access the list quickly and avoid changing songs in the middle of a run.
Invest in Running Headphones
There is nothing more defeating than having to fiddle with a dislocated headphone in the middle of a run. A runners strides become awkward, difficult, and annoying when only one arm is swinging and the other is trying to balance the body. Even more tragic is having to stop completely, then having to muster up the energy to get moving again. Invest in a good set of running headphones. Ask questions at the store, or even better, read reviews online from other people who have the same set.
Buy Good Running Clothes
Running in comfortable clothes that fits well and breathes is as important as the run itself. If the runner is uncomfortable, more attention is placed on the discomfort, rather than on convincing the mind to keep going. A runner's brain does not need any other physical distractions during training.
Run Different Trails Often
Runners should change up their scenery to avoid boredom. Picking two or three different runs per week or month can increase mental morale and keep the runner excited. When one path gets boring, runners can pick up their shoes, and move to a different path. Nothing works better at keeping the mind occupied than aesthetics.
Analyze Runs and Solve Problems Within
After choosing a few running paths and trails, runners should analyze each run. Things to remember are: where in the run the runner breakdown physically? Where does the runner break down mentally? Remember where hills are. When should the runner slow down, or pick up the speed to make it over a hill? And where is the halfway or distance points?
What to do When Reaching a Distance Point
When a runner reaches a marker in the run, be it the first, third, or thirteenth mile mark, he or she should give themselves a pat on the back and a mental note for support. Remind the mind that there are only X number of miles to go, or that X miles have already been completed. Another very useful trick is to say "four miles down, now just do that four more times." It is easier to break down a run in parts rather than to think about the totality of the run. Running four miles four times sounds easier than running sixteen miles.
Remember to keep things new and fresh. Boredom and monotony are a runners enemy so switch up trails, music often. Also remember when to motivate the mind so that it doesn't defeat the legs.
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