It's Also Mental

As we train for long distance races, we tend to focus on the accumulating of miles, focusing on our form, how we breathe. We tend to forget that a race is two parts. Yes it's half physical, but it's also half mental.

How do you mentally get through long runs and distances? Everyone has their own way to do it. My way is part game playing and depending on support. The game playing is "easy." As you fatigue mentally, you have to make challenges for yourself to get you through a stretch of road. Let's say it's mile 17, you know you are achy. This is the point the brain begins to tell you to stop, or as I call it, this is the point where the wheels can come off.

I get it, you have miles to go, your body is aching, and you want to stop, but you can't. Do some mind games. Fix a point, and tell yourself to jog to that point, and if you succeed, you can walk a bit. Of course the trick is, once you get to the point, try to move beyond it, as a way to show the brain you can keep going. I find this works for a time. Of course at some point the brain catches on, and you have to come up with a new challenge.

If game playing and challenges aren't working, I depend on support. Support usually means I race call. You've never heard of race calling? I bet you've heard of drunk dialing or texting - same concept. Take your cell phone with you, and when you really need to get through a particular mile, call someone. Make sure the person(s) you call know you may be calling them. This way they can answer the phone and talk to you.

The usual victim of my calls is my sister. She has talked me through many a race. Of course I am usually an emotional mess, so I may not appreciate her words at the moment, but the brain hears them, and it helps me keep going.

Does anyone out there have other ideas?

Charlie