There are a few tricks you can teach yourself to push that little bit harder so you can keep going. The mind generally gives up before the body does. So ask yourself, is it all in my head? Is it getting harder to breath or are my legs are going to give way?
Most people ask me, how do you go from running 5km to 100km? Often the biggest obstacle to running has nothing to do with your legs and the lungs, it's about what is on your mind. A favourite quote of mine is "I feel good when I run well and when I run well I feel good"
Your mind is a powerful tool. You can train your mind to push that little bit extra, you just need to get out of your comfort zone every now and then in order to go the extra distance. As you get more experienced and your body adapts to training, you can tune in more to what your body is experiencing "Just one foot in front of the other" easier said than done? The more you practice running and tapping into how you are feel, listening to the sound of your footsteps, concentrate on your breathing. I found that I can keep a continuous pace that I feel comfortable with and have been able to complete 4 x 100km trail running events as well as the Anzac Ultra Marathon, a 300km trail run in Canberra, ACT.
"You've got what it takes, but it will take everything you've got". I am a firm believer in positive affirmations and having a positive mind. Once any sort of negativity taps into your mind, that's when things start to unfold and what could now be the possibility of not finishing a race.
By Kristy Lovegrove
Vision Personal Trainer and Ultrarunner
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
