If you’ve attempted to add miles during your training routine, you’re well aware of the role your mind plays when running.
The situation often goes something like this: You feel you must increase mileage if you want to reach a goal, race distance, etc. But just when you’re about to attempt the longer distance, your inner voice gets in the way – often telling you the task is too challenging.
What’s worse is when your mind attempts to notify you that you don’t have the energy to even begin your running workout. When this occurs, it’s even difficult to lace up your shoes and get out the door.
This is one reason why I believe distance running requires an 80/20 skill ratio – with 80% being mental ability.
It’s been about 10 years since I began running on a regular basis, and I still battle mind games. However, I’ve learned to significantly calm the voices. (Sounds like I’m battling a mental problem, doesn’t it?)
In addition to visualization techniques, one method that continues to help me on long runs is rewards. Now, I’m the first to admit that what I do goes against the recommendations of many in the running community, so this probably isn’t for everyone.
A reward that works well for me is new foods during long runs. For example, I discovered Jelly Belly Sport Beans at about mile 18 during the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati in 2006.
I saw the jelly beans the day before while buying pre-race supplies and decided they would be the perfect pick-me-up for when I needed a mental (and physical) boost during the race … and they worked.
Truth be told, I like to eat, which is probably typical for many runners. Food gives me a naturally high and makes me happy.
My unscientific reasoning behind why my new food reward technique works well is that the body naturally moves faster when you’re in an enjoyable state of mind. When you’re down or feel depressed – as sometimes happens during the final miles of a long run – you naturally move slower.
By getting gratification from nibbling on something new, I delay mental and physical depression.
If you’re going to try a new food during a run, just go light on the quantity. This seems obvious, but sometimes your mind causes you to do some crazy things in moments of running desperation.
