Hello runner friends!Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness SeriesMIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by talking about a few ways to stop negative thinking on your long runs (or any runs for that matter). This is especially important for new runners since mastering this skill early will ensure that they make it to the finish line. After all, negative thinking can not only sap a person's motivation for the day but can, over time, cause someone to give up completely. As a running coach I've seen this more times than I'd care to count.
Speaking of coaches, check out what renowned running coach Jeff Galloway had to say about negative thinking keeping in mind that he is referring to the "Galloway Method" of running. On a side note, if you haven't tried this method you're missing out. It can actually help you go longer and maybe even faster with less work which means less negative thinking. But without further ado, here's what Jeff had to say:
The difference between a good run and a really bad one begins in your brain. If you believe a workout will be tough or if you focus on feelings of boredom or fatigue, your body will follow your mind, making it more difficult to have an enjoyable outing. The good news is this mechanism works in reverse, too. If you can catch yourself in the act of negative thinking, it’s possible to turn your mind – and your run – around. Here’s how to respond to common downers:
Speaking of coaches, check out what renowned running coach Jeff Galloway had to say about negative thinking keeping in mind that he is referring to the "Galloway Method" of running. On a side note, if you haven't tried this method you're missing out. It can actually help you go longer and maybe even faster with less work which means less negative thinking. But without further ado, here's what Jeff had to say:
The difference between a good run and a really bad one begins in your brain. If you believe a workout will be tough or if you focus on feelings of boredom or fatigue, your body will follow your mind, making it more difficult to have an enjoyable outing. The good news is this mechanism works in reverse, too. If you can catch yourself in the act of negative thinking, it’s possible to turn your mind – and your run – around. Here’s how to respond to common downers:
1. ‘I can’t believe how far I still have to run'
Focus on only the next walk break or the next run segment, or on reaching the runner ahead of you, or the next tree. Think only about one small portion of the run you know you can complete, and once you’ve done that, shift your attention to the next. Before you know it you’ll have finished your run.
2. ‘I’m so tired’
Try repeating a positive statement, such as ‘I can do it’ or ‘I feel better.’ Imagine how proud you will be when you finish your run. Plus you’ll have a positive memory of perseverance to draw upon the next time you’re feeling tired mid-run.
Try repeating a positive statement, such as ‘I can do it’ or ‘I feel better.’ Imagine how proud you will be when you finish your run. Plus you’ll have a positive memory of perseverance to draw upon the next time you’re feeling tired mid-run.
3. ‘I’m too slow’
Give yourself a pep talk with added humor; e.g. vow to set a record for the slowest time. Remember that you’re still beating the people sitting on their sofas. And if you want to be faster, experiment with shorter run and walk segments – some runners find 15 secs on, 15 secs off is an ideal balance.
Give yourself a pep talk with added humor; e.g. vow to set a record for the slowest time. Remember that you’re still beating the people sitting on their sofas. And if you want to be faster, experiment with shorter run and walk segments – some runners find 15 secs on, 15 secs off is an ideal balance.
4. ‘I can’t believe he/she overtook me’
If you’re out for an everyday run, remind yourself to focus on your own workout. Other runners may be doing speedwork, for example, so they should be passing you. In a race, use those runners as inspiration – feed off their energy and pick up the pace a bit.
If you’re out for an everyday run, remind yourself to focus on your own workout. Other runners may be doing speedwork, for example, so they should be passing you. In a race, use those runners as inspiration – feed off their energy and pick up the pace a bit.
So there you have it friends. Having negative thoughts is inevitable. Every runner will experience them from time to time. That's why knowing ways to combat those thoughts is absolutely crucial to your long term success. Turn those negative thoughts into positive ones and you'll find that you're finishing every run. Does that make every part of you smile or what?
Happy Running!
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