By Dr Tan Swee Kheng
What goes through your mind when you run long distances? It seems that the longer the distance, the more curious people seem to be about that question.
Runners are often not conscious of what goes through their minds when they run. The thoughts simply happen. Although I can't speak for everyone, let me share my own perspectives and experiences with you.
There are runners who have no particular thoughts in mind when they run. They simply absorb the sights and sounds of their surroundings. But usually after a long day at work, people head out for a run with work on their minds. This is particularly so if something challenging happened. Their minds will be preoccupied with that challenge and how best to solve it. Other runners take the opposite tack and put the challenge on hold or block it out temporarily so as to enjoy their run. My point is that a runner can make a conscious choice about what he or she wants to think about.
Focusing on a challenge, whether work or personal or even the training plan itself, can have two effects on the runner. One is that the ensuing frustration can cause a person to lose focus on their run leading to a poor training session or even loss of motivation. The other outcome is that the runner channels the frustration positively into their run, which can lead to them clocking better running times, and even feeling better about their problem afterwards. If you know yourself, and know what kind of effect is more likely, you can then choose the more appropriate channel for your ‘energy' and allow it to work to your advantage.
During a training session or race, when runners are fatigued, they have to dig deep to search for the last few ounces of effort to keep going. Some may get consumed by their exhaustion and be unable to carry on, while others persevere. What makes the difference?
Be conscious of the kind of self-talk you engage in during your run. For example, do you tell yourself, "I have only completed 21km and I still have a long way to go!" Or are you more likely to say, "Keep going… I am almost there! Half down!" What you say and how you say it to yourself makes a big difference, and can make or break you. Never underestimate the power of your thoughts!
If you say to yourself that you have a long way to go, you will certainly feel that way and the second half of the race will seem like eternity to you. Even if you are physically ready, half your battle is already lost because of your mental habit. On the other hand, if you encourage yourself with positive statements, half your battle is won. You will find yourself reaching the finish line a lot faster. Being an optimist does have its privileges, and you have little to lose.
So the next time you head out for a run, remember to fill your mind with positive thoughts.
Running with you ~ Swee
"Our thoughts create our reality!" ~ Dr Joshua David Stone
"Acknowledge yourself for how far you have come, instead of how far you think you have to go." ~ Shanta Kelly Hartzell
Dr Tan Swee Kheng is a kinesiologist and movement specialist. She obtained her Doctorate of Philosophy in Kinesiology from Michigan State University, USA. Currently, Dr Tan conducts an exclusive running program just for women – The First Stride, designed to demystify training processes to help women achieve their running potential. Dr Tan was formerly a national hockey player who started playing hockey at the age of 8. She was part of the team that won the first and to date only gold medal for Singapore Women's Hockey during the 1993 South East Asian Games. Dr Tan retired from hockey in 1999 to further her studies in the USA.
Today, Dr Tan still maintains her competitiveness in sporting events such as marathons, biathlons, and triathlons. She has run several local and overseas marathons including the 2002 Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, USA, and has taken part in several local biathlons and triathlons. Dr Tan is also a one-time Ironman finisher.
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