STEP BY STEP

Mental preparation and attitude is hugely important when tackling long runs, as well as knowing how to pace yourself and listening to your body

If you’re training for a long race this spring, such as a marathon, by now you may be over the 10-mile mark or running for over two hours. At this point, it’s easy to feel daunted. Distance running can be a lonely pursuit and there’s also the risk of self-doubt creeping in and that negative voice in your head that pipes up when you’re feeling tired, unhelpfully telling you to stop.

Developing the right mindset during long runs and using various tactics will help you keep going when you feel tired, or when self-doubt creeps in. Here’s how to manage your mind during those long runs and keep boredom and self-doubt at bay…

1. KNOW YOUR MOTIVATION

“Ask yourself: ‘What’s the reason behind you doing this run?’” suggests Philip Clarke, a Lecturer of Psychology at the University of Derby. “If you’re doing a long run and you get to a point where you want to stop, you’re going to have that internal battle. Get into a rhythm. Not many people have that ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep going. Get that strong reason for why you’re doing what you’re doing and know that you made the decision to do it and it’s something you want to achieve. Use the emotion associated with that thought. It will drive you through.”