Train Your Brain

I just read an article about how marathon runners deal with the many challenges that come their way over the course of 26.2 miles.  Anyone who has ever run a marathon or participated in an endurance event knows that the state of our mind and bodies can change in an instant.  What might feel like a perfect race at 20 miles, can become a physical and mental meltdown at 21 miles.

We have often talked about the power of the mind to push beyond what our bodies "think" they can do.  One of the coping strategies mentioned by a runner in the survey was the power of the mind.  When the going gets tough, she invokes the mantra, "Where the mind goes, the body follows". 

Studies on how elite athletes push through pain to achieve great performances support the importance of our mental strength in achieving our goals.  Four time World Ironman Champion, Chrissie Wellington, obviously knows the importance of physical strength and conditioning in becoming a world class triathlete.  But she also acknowledges that physical strength can only take you so far.  In discussing details of the extensive training that triathletes go through in preparing for an event she states, "But it's when the discomfort strikes that they realize a strong mind is the most powerful weapon of all."  She goes on to say, "I believe that it is my mind that has carried me through to some of my greatest victories -- a mind that I have had to work hard to train and hone."  That is no small statement when you consider the endless hours of physical training the go into preparing for an Ironman event. 

So what are some ways you can train your mind to push yourself through good physical pain and achieve new physical gains?

• Acknowledge the strength you have gained.  When the going gets tough, remember all the hard workouts you have already pushed through.  You CAN do it again!
• Remember your goals.  Tell yourself...  "I am working this hard because ________."
• Repeat a mantra.  If you identify the pain as a negative emotion you will be present in the pain.  If, however, you repeat a mantra such as 'Go hard', or 'To the finish', you will create a positive state and more easily push through.
• Finally, know that it will pass.  Soon the workout will be over. 

Research has actually shown that pain is often just in our heads and is not actually a signal of physical distress.  Remember that pain is temporary, finishing lasts forever.  So as long as the pain is good pain, push to the finish!