Your marathon training is done and you are counting the days, or maybe hours..or maybe minutes….until you toe the starting line on your race day!
Congratulations on your efforts so far! I would like to wish you good luck and a wonderful “Day of Celebration”. Running a marathon can be viewed as a threefold process-First is the commitment to enter the race. Then-after making this sometimes overwhelming decision-you commit yourself to train for the momentous challenge ahead. Finally- you can enjoy the most rewarding and gratifying phrase of the marathon- the event itself! With it come endless satisfying memories of the course- and crossing the finish line!
You surely have met one of those runners that never seem nervous before a race or they don’t complain or talk negatively about running. Maybe you are one of those runners.Hmmmmmmm…..So, what’s the secret? What do mentally strong runners do that assist them in dealing with pre-race anxiety or post-race blues?
- They learn from a bad race and then move on- most runners has had a race where they felt like they did not do their best, but mentally strong runners do not dwell on it! They think about things that they could have done differently and consider what they would change for the next race. But once that have done their brief- post race analysis, THEY MOVE ON!
- They focus on their own performance, not others- They do not give a lot of thought to what other runners are doing. They focus on being the best runner they can be!
- They stay away from negative people- There are always going to be nagative nellies telling you that you should not run or that there’s no way you are going to reach a personal running goal. Mentally strong people change the conversation if someone starts spouting negative comments. They start talking about something other than running. Something positive-They also do their best to avoid interactions with negative people in the first place.
- They think about the things they can control. Worrying and stressing about the things they cannot control, such as the weather or how they’ll feel on race day- NO POINT! Mentally tough runners focus on things that they CAN control such as resting before a big race, eating the right food, and staying hydrated. Not only do they feel prepared for the race, but focusing on all the preparations ends up being a good distraction.
So, as soon as you are about 200meters from finish line on Sunday, 7th August 2016 for the Standard Chartered KL Marathon, put on your biggest smile, fix your posture,feel strong and keep your eye on the finish..Feel yourself being drawn towards that finish line……
Finally, I would like to wish everyone: Good Luck and run well- I will be rooting for you! Have lots of fun and a great marathon/ Race Day experience!
chrisywong.com 