Runners spend weeks and months physically training alongside a carefully crafted diet plan to get them in top shape ahead of the big day.
With any marathon or long distance run, not only is physical preparation important, but it is also crucial to prepare mentally for the grueling number of miles. Running a marathon is not just about the body—the mind also matters quite a bit as well.
Training your mind for a marathon might sound a bit odd, but preparing mentally is really no different from preparing physically.
Just as you would prepare your body, it’s equally important to prepare your mind for the inevitable mental challenges. In fact, research suggests that elite marathoners use specific psychological strategies to help them perform for this unique event.
Failing to Prepare Is Preparing to Fail
We all know that British military adage that proper preparation prevents poor performance, but how does that figure when it comes to mentally training for a marathon?
First, let’s talk about the infamous wall and what happens when you hit it. Hitting the wall isn’t just a fallacy—it really does happen. And it’s probably going to happen to you at some point if you’re brave enough to run the marathon.
Hitting the wall is basically about running out of energy. Your legs feel like concrete, your breathing becomes labored, your stride turns into a shuffle. Negative thoughts flood your mind, and the urge to quit becomes overwhelming.
Identifying imaginary—but realistic—scenarios before the race is key to success on the actual day: “What happens when I hit the wall?” “What if it rains?” To get the most out of this, runners should identify potential strategies to cope with these situations should they arise on race day.
