Revelation mental training for runners

I’ve been training my brain to stay positive and strong while jogging. And last week, I had a huge announcement = mental training isn’t actually happening while you’re running. So I’m sharing some tips on how to start training your brain to function better and a list of positive run test affirmations (get it).

First off, some quick updates on their running and eating adventures …

The long run this weekend was tough. The whole time I felt it was more difficult than it should be. This made me feel like I’m not in great shape, so slow and frustrated. It was totally fine for me.

I started thinking about going back early … then I thought about how out of shape I was and how maybe I’m not ready to train for a race at all right now … which led to the thinking that I would never race again in shape again.

It makes me remember that there is still a part of me who believes all of that at the moment. I felt like crap and my thoughts went uphill.

Those negative thoughts were so powerful because I was struggling physically, so I reinforced that they must be true. So I couldn’t get out of it or fight it. I was in a cave of pain mentally and physically too tired to look for a way out.

I had already found a new long distance route, so I was hoping that the new site would help distract me from the usual boredom and regular fatigue that comes with the long haul. This little trick didn’t work this time. Boo.

Here is a picture of the new running track …

When I got to the end of the road, I turned to go home and felt a little easier. I was still tired and discouraged but suddenly I felt a little better, right?

I realized the first half of the run was going up a little bit in height the whole time. There were small rolling hills along the way, and the trail was surrounded by a lovely park, so it’s not clear that going in this direction takes you a little uphill.

This was part of the reason why I felt so slow. It wasn’t the only reason – I was really on a day off.

But as I turned around and realized how much better I was feeling when I stopped going up the heights – I also realized that I let myself turn to negative thoughts very quickly.

As I started feeling better on the way back, I felt better myself, too. I was so happy thinking – “Hey, maybe I’m not out of shape, the hard difficulty has made it feel bad!”

But it is extremely difficult to get out of the negative thinking cycle when you are in it and feel badly physically.

That’s why I wrote this post.

You need to train your brain so that it lags behind – the positive thoughts. When you experience a tough day, interact or run – you want your mind to remain calm, strong, and strong. But this does not happen by chance – you have to train all the time.

So check out these tips and give it a try!

Brave by Alexei Papas

Also – I’m listening To Bravey by Alexi Pappas Now and love it. Have you read it or listened to it yet?

I think I’m about halfway through the book and so far I recommend it to anyone.

It’s hard to believe (or remember) your mantra when you are tired and in pain in the long run.

The struggle over a large hill doesn’t make you want to think positive thoughts.

When you do the physical work of managing your mind, it focuses on that, and it’s incredibly hard to add mental work as well. So mental training should start when you are not running.

And because it’s so important to be powerful – it’s more than just pre-rolled spirited talk.

Fill your mind with positive and powerful thoughts Every chance you get. It doesn’t have to be about running – be your very own cheerleader in everything.
Beep talk all the time! Give yourself a small enthusiastic talk at the start of your day, before class, a date, or a meeting.
You did a great job! Throughout the day, give yourself some praise or recognition just for being you.
Celebrate every achievement. Be one of your biggest fans. After every big or small achievement, cheer yourself up with words, a little dance, or a round of applause.
Love the language on your own. What is the best way to feel loved or appreciated? Use love language on yourself and write notes for yourself, say it in the mirror, record yourself for later listening, etc. Say it. Write it. charity.

Phrases to use in mental training

Here is a list of phrases that can help you train your brain. These are ideas to get you started in your mental training. This aspect of training is very personal because it has to resonate with you to be effective. Review this list, say some out loud and see how you feel (full disclosure, you’ll likely feel awkward at first – this is the opposite of what we were programmed to do).

If you train your brain to be your biggest fan – it will be easier to hear that sound while running. So make these (or your positive affirmations) part of your daily conversation. The more you use it, the easier it will be for you to go to a positive place when you’re going through a stressful time.

List of mental training sentences to get you started:

I got this!
I am intelligent!
I’m strong!
Yes, I can.
You did a great job!
I am brave!

Try it now and see how you feel. Save this list and add your own affirmations to it. After that, read it every day until you find out which one is right for you to use it.