Running the race and positive thoughts

Prepping for a race seems to be the same as prepping for life.

I have started running. Run/ walking actually, hoping to get to running only. As I have begun training for races it is stunning how much information is out there for runners and how much of it is based on cognitive structure: “just keep running;” “just run one mile at a time;” “no matter how you do you’ve done more today than the person on the couch.” Even the Nike running app has encouragement from athletes in the last tenth of a mile or so. All of the things I’ve read on line are focused on encouraging one to do their best and plan ahead for eventual problems.

Thoughts and what we say to ourselves can be self-fulfilling prophecies. When we structure our thoughts in an optimistic fashion we are more likely to succeed and accomplish our goals.

Be careful about what you say to yourself. Practice self-compassion, i.e. giving yourself permission to make mistakes and be human then get up off the mat and run.

See article on cognitive restructuring for more information on changing your thoughts.