Running a half or a full marathon – or even just your usual weekend long run – can be physically and mentally tough, and would make you want to give up. The good news is you can actually train your mind to think otherwise! Here are mind tricks that you can do to help you get to the finish line strong.
1. Break it up – Break your run into shorter distances. You can, for example, mentally divide your 42km run into a series of 8 x 5km+ runs. Consider every segment completed as a milestone to give you an additional confidence boost. Plus, thinking of the next 5km instead of the next 30kms is much easier on your mind – you’ll be done before you know it.
2. Find a Mantra – Pick a powerful, motivational phrase, such as “One step at a time,” and repeat this over and over in your head. This can help you stay focused and pumped throughout your run. Already have a Mantra? Share it Below!
3. Visualize Success – When you find yourself struggling at any point, visualize yourself as an Olympian marathoner or a runner you admire, who’s nearing the finish line. Imagine that you’re running just like this person, relaxed and with the proper form. Picture yourself crossing the finish line and getting a finisher’s medal just like them!
4. Play Counting Games – Try this: Pick a piece of running gear, such as a blue running shirt, to look for during your run. Then count how many runners you see wearing it.
5. Zone Out – Think about something else aside from running. I have friends who are in creative industries who brainstorm design ideas while running. Some people like to think about their vacation plans, or their children’s funny antics. Take your mind to your happy place.
6. Do “The Lasso” – This is similar to drafting. Imagine throwing an invisible lasso on that runner ahead of you. Think of that runner doing most of the work while they tug you effortlessly forward. It may take some practice but it works.
7. Make Post-Run Plans – Plan where to have your post-race meal, or where you’re going to after the run with your friends and family. This gives you something to look forward to!
How about you? What’s your favorite mental trick while running?
For Instant Updates – Follow US!
https://www.facebook.com/pinoyfitness
https://www.twitter.com/pinoyfitness
https://www.instagram.com/pinoyfitness
PF Community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/pinoyfitness
PF Shop -> https://store.pinoyfitness.com
Anne Wanderlust para sa 1st ultramarathon…yohooo!!!
ok sana kaso di ako mahilig maghabol sa crush. haha
Eh ka-pace mo crush mo eh kaya sabay lang kayo kaya wala ka talaga hahabulin na…clok.clok.clok.clok.clok.clok. (animal sound)
Rza Ybanez
HAHAH bukas agafan p ntin lol
agahan
hinahabol ko si alden… tapos si piolo lol
agree!! madalas, naghahanap ng gwapong runner tapos susundan matapos lang ang inaasam na PR.. hahaha
Hahahha….motivation
More like, nasa likod ko si crush. I have to impress him. Yiiihiii. LOL! :P
My Mantra: Two piece chicken joy, extra rice!… Jimmy Famaranco Zoher Hortillosa Hussin
Bakit sakin pag iniisip daw ako ng asawa ko napapabilis daw xa ng takbo,,, hehe lalo na pag araw ng sahod :)
Yssa Alemania Huli. U0001f602U0001f602U0001f602
Other running tricks: “Konting km na lang, aabot na ako sa finish line (at makakasilong na ako sa init ng araw).” “Lapit na ang aid station / portalet / finish line” “Pag umabot ako sa cut-off time, makukuha ko yung medal ko (at makakauwi na ako). Kasama sa bayad yan!” “Gusto ko nang kumain ng buffet; sugod na!” “My family / friends are waiting for me at the end of the race.”
Hahahaha girlll hahahaha
sa umpisa nghahanap ng chix as pacer or png warm up tpos sa bandang huli ng hahanap ng mlkas mka PR lng.
Jenifer Frias
Here is my Mantra that got me to finish my first marathon, “pain is temporary, pride is forever!”
Isiping sayang ang binayad kaya dapat tapusin hehehe…
kidding aside, i dedicate my first mary to my mom…
Earl David
Iniisip ko na lang me free mang inasal after the race para strong finish sa finish line ;)
hinahabol mo nga crush mo seenzoned ka naman kahit abutan mo pa haha wala din useless lol!
Shayne Chua Fritz Bizkit hahaha
Para maka PR isipin mo inaantay ka ni crush sa Finish line :)
Para sau khim hehe
Minsan, hinahabol ko talaga si crush.U0001f602U0001f602U0001f602
Hahaha… May hinahabol talaga akong type kong guy na laging nasa harapan… Ang bilis nya kasi U0001f604U0001f604U0001f604
Hahaha naunahan mo ko mag tag hahaha
Alam na!! :p
nasa finishline ang cubicle…. alam na
kanta lang kahit ano, wag magpapaiwan sa kotseng natatrapik.
Isipin na kasabay si Pacquiao o Coach Rio.
we need a mantra haha Gerald Orca Rockyrod Canete
Von paps hehe
Nikko Yu oh hala its just a number U0001f602U0001f602U0001f602
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Kricel – this might help ^_^
yep it did U0001f607
Cheesecake. Cheesecake. Cheesecake.
After run. Food! Food! Food!
Thanks for the tips Pinoy Fitness! U0001f609
I used this advice during my very first 21k “break it up”. iniisip ko nun apat na 5k lang yun hahaha.
Mica Sofia Flores and Rhailina J. Muallam, tips para makarating sa finish line. :)
I do the “Level up” trick where you get 1XP for passing another runner in the race. The more experience you gain, the higher your level becomes. Got this trick from my super cool coach. I personally find this very effective specially when doing a Sub1 10K. ;) Pag mga long distances na kasi like 12, 16, 21, 32 and 42 ang iniisip ko hinahabol na kami ng mga kriminal at pag naabutan ka nila saka ka nila papatayin. Medyo brutal pero mapapatakbo ka talaga kahit pagod ka na kung ganun hahabol sa’yo di ba? Well siguro time to change na my trick once maupo na si Du30 since mababawasan na ang mga kriminal sa Pilipinas lol U0001f602U0001f44dU0001f44a
Say it again and again …. ” yung iba nga kaya ako pa kaya kaya ko din yun!!! ” and think for FS , medal, cert and meal U0001f609
Sir Ray AbayaU0001f60a
Gudluck skin hehehe
Jacob James Aresta Barrera Ann Teriz Gonzalvo ito yun
Saan kakain after?? Hahaha
Mang inasal! haha
Hahaha pwede libre mo ko :)
But the faster you run the faster you’ll get tired right?
Keep the faith. Keep the pace.