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How To

How to Use Mental Focus in Your Marathon Race

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Going 26.2 miles in a marathon takes tremendous energy. You'll need your head as much as your body to get you through.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Respect the distance. Think ahead, past the great feeling in the early miles. Twenty miles is where the race really begins.

  2. Step 2

    Take the race one mile at a time, analyzing factors such as weather and pace. Be flexible and adapt as necessary.

  3. Step 3

    Use relaxation techniques in the rough patches. These are particularly useful in the last half hour. Tell yourself to relax, and be specific (focus on specific body parts such as your neck, shoulders, or arms).

  4. Step 4

    Repeat words or phrases. "Relax and flow," "pick it up" - use anything that works. Say them in your head, or even out loud to yourself.

  5. Step 5

    Allow yourself to disassociate. Don't force yourself to concentrate too hard for the entire race (unless you're very experienced, and running for time or even to win). You can also chat with another runner, or let yourself enjoy the surroundings.

  6. Step 6

    Deal appropriately with negative thoughts. They do happen. Let them come in, analyze their meaning, and try to turn them into positive actions, if necessary (e.g. adjusting your pace).

  7. Step 7

    Try visualization. Think of yourself as running strong and controlled.

Tips & Warnings
  • Make sure you are truly motivated to run. Do the marathon for yourself, not because others are.
  • Be well trained. Positive mental focus is a good addition to training, never a substitute for it.
  • Read up on the subject. A lot of inspiration and advice comes from experienced or champion marathoners and their coaches.
  • If you have any condition which would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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