Mental strength for runners

Motivation: set yourself clear goals and reward yourself after reaching an intermediate goal. Training diaries can help to visualise progress.

Setting goals: define realistic and measurable goals, e.g. a new personal best over a certain distance.

Mindful running: focus on your breathing and enjoy the time you’re running. This makes it both fun and easier for you to achieve your goal.

Strategies: develop strategies to help you overcome lows or difficult periods during training. Listen to your body. When is it time to take a break and when can you really push yourself to the limit?

Group dynamics: training in a running group can be motivating and help you stay on track. However, it’s important not to allow yourself to be tempted to run too fast in a group on your relaxed runs.