This is the little mantra I overheard my daughter whispering to herself the other day when she was trying out her new skates. It got me thinking about the internal monologue we have when we are doing something mechanical and repetitive, like running. I asked some runners and sports people what they do to motivate them. This is what I came up with:
1) Just....get....to...the....next...post!
Set yourself small achievable goals, like reaching the next lamp post. The chances are, once you're there, you'll feel able to get to the next and so on. The Runners World Streak http://www.runnersworld.com/cold-weather-running/2012-holiday-running-streak is a similar idea, where you pledge to run 1 mile every day over the holiday. Often, when you get going, you will continue and run farther.
2) Use visualisation
Experts recommend you visualise your run before you actually set off. Think about how you would like to look and feel at different stages. If you are racing, it can be a good idea to drive the route before your run it so that you are familiar with the layout and you can visualise yourself running it. (Picture yourself as a Kenyan or an Ethiopian, or even as Mo!)
3) Lie!
Tell yourself how wonderful you feel and what an amazing run you are having. You may be so delirious you'll believe it!
4) Think about the afterglow
Some people love the way their body feels after exercise - and some people like the smug feeling that comes post run! Whatever your prefer, focus on that!
5) Have a mantra
Here are some little sayings that may help you to keep going once you get out there;
- Pain is temporary: failure lasts forever
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable
- Today is not the day I gave up
- I do it today for tomorrows results
- The harder it is, the greater the victory
