If you’re like most runners, you spend the majority of your time training your body to run long distances. But what about your mind? Despite being just as important as the body, mental training often falls by the wayside. In this post, our 2021-2022 Race Ambassador Jackie talks about the importance of mental training and shares some personal experiences to help you get started.
Lace up your sneakers and let’s get started!
Out of 47 races, I have never quit, until last weekend. Heck! I didn’t even start, let alone quit.
I trained for several months for my race. In prime physical condition, I felt very strong and confident in the distance and my ability to finish. But come race morning, I did not want to compete. I didn’t even want to try. I really didn’t want to participate at all. So, I didn’t. I quit, before the race even started. I failed mentally. Upon reflection and talking with other experienced runners and coaches, I realized I never mentally trained for the race.
Here are the mental training tips that I learned and want to share with you as you prepare for your Austin Marathon or Half Marathon.
1) First and foremost, listen to your body. Take a break when your body is telling you that it’s fighting extreme exhaustion or is injured. See a doctor or physical therapist if needed. These tips are for building your mental strength and are not suggested to be used in place of your physical needs.
2) On the flip side, don’t blow off your workouts because you are tired and just don’t feel like doing them that day. After doing this too many times, it becomes the norm. Stand true to your workouts and try to hit as many as possible. Tell yourself you are strong and can do it – then do it!
3) Embrace the suck. Some runs are hard, and they might suck. But without these, you won’t know what a good workout feels like. And these hard workouts make you stronger and faster, so embrace them.
4) Remember that racing is fun. Sure, we all have a little competitiveness and our own personal goals, but they should be fun. If you find yourself frustrated or regretting every workout in your training plan, maybe ask yourself if you are running the right distance.
5) Visualize your race day. Do this early and frequently in your training. Picture the hills, weather (good and bad), temperature, crowd support, etc. Walkthrough good and bad runs in your mind and decide early how you are going to handle each when or if they come.
6) Remember why you committed in the first place. Many times, this alone will carry you through any tough run.
7) Share your feelings with your running tribe. Fellow runners are your best supporters and can help you talk through your concerns. Even if you are one who likes to run alone, call your running friends or message them and just chat about your training and how you feel. These folks can help carry you through any bad workout or race. They will be there to get you to the start.
8) The power of positive thinking is real! Stay positive and don’t allow yourself to travel down the spiral of negativity. Stop and redirect your thoughts if you start down the negative path.
I hope you find help in these and best of luck with your training! You can follow Jackie on Instagram at @jaxbunce.
Convince Your Friend to Train for a Half Marathon with You
in Beginner, Blog post5 ways to convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you
Maybe you have a race coming up and you don’t want to train alone. Perhaps you need some motivation to get your running groove back. Or you could have a friend who’s talked about running a half marathon, but has yet to commit. Regardless of the reason, it is time to convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you. Training with a buddy is not only fun, but inspiring as well. You can encourage each other while training for the upcoming 13.1-miler. If they’re still on the fence, convince your friend to train for a half marathon with you using the 5 tips below. Remember, running is contagious!
Incorporate a stretch routine before all runs and workouts.
Pro tip: it’s important to remember that life happens. Share how you balance life and training with your friend. That and these 5 helpful tips will give them what they need to train successfully.
1. Describe the race-day experience
Sometimes not knowing what to expect on race day can be detrimental. Take this opportunity to let your friend know what happens during race weekend. From packet pickup to the finish line festival, explain the process and what happens along the way. Provide details about the vendor-filled expo, what to expect on race morning, and the party at the finish line. Build this 4-stretch routine into your training plan and make it part of your race morning.
2. Share training information
Share information, like your favorite GPS watch, with your friend.
Share tips about how to train for the upcoming half. Provide guidance for essential items like running shoes, GPS watches, nutrition, training plans, stretching exercises, etc. Communicate what works and didn’t work for you. This is also a chance for you to determine what might be holding them back. Your friend will have lots of questions. You want to make the entire experience as enjoyable as possible for them. Think back to training for your first 13.1-miler and try to anticipate what they might need. Chances are there are a few things that’ll help them that they’re not aware of, like side stitches. Share these side-stitch prevention methods with them.
3. Provide support and encouragement
Keep in mind, running can seem daunting for a first-timer. Offer support and inspiration that’ll help them continue, even during the tough times. Take small steps and set smaller, weekly goals. Incorporate the ABCs of goal setting and they will help you both build-up to the main goal: crossing the half marathon finish line. Don’t throw your friend into full-fledged running, especially if they’ve never run before. Recall why you started running in the first place and try to impart that to your friend.
4. Work at their pace
Your insight will help your friend cross the finish line!
Your enthusiasm for the half marathon might discourage your friend who might feel less-than-ready to run. To counteract this, make your training run sessions fun. Include tunes they enjoy or run in an area they’re familiar with. Be sure to not make them burn out. Keep things at their pace, from running to the information you share. Again, revert back to training for your first half and what worked for you. If your runs are at night because of their schedule, follow these safety tips and enjoy the benefits of running at night.
5. Create friendly competition and give rewards
What better way to stimulate the passion for running than some competition. It is a fun way to challenge each other during training. Rewards can be small and inexpensive, like home-baked cookies or a new pair of socks. It shows your friend that you’re thinking of them and will incentivize them to reach their goal. When thinking about competition, it doesn’t have to be between the two of you. Challenge your friend to run half a mile further than before or a few seconds faster during a speed workout. After all, they’re their own competition.
Running is an exciting way to get fit and have fun. What better way to enjoy this sport and train for the next half marathon than with your friend? This advice will help you get them off the fence and in training mode. Establish a routine, set smaller goals, and create friendly competition to help your friend cross their first half marathon finish line!
5 Reasons It’s Important to Add Running Variety to Your Training
in Beginner, Blog postAdding running variety to your training is critical to your growth as a runner
Everyone’s fitness goals vary, but one thing that remains common in all forms of training is the goal to accomplish growth. Most beginner runners train with the same routine every day. Even running the same route gets monotonous. This is exactly why adding running variety can tackle that boredom and help you become a better runner in the process. Below are five reasons why you should add running variety to your training! Pro tip: when building your training plan, add in variations of these 9 different types of runs.
Build endurance
Increase muscle definition
Keeping true to your everyday training is certainly good. But the problem arises when you hit a plateau with your training and there are no visible changes in your body. This can be disheartening for some. Runners notice an increase in the definition of their leg muscles when adding high-intensity sprints to their training. Follow these 7 tips to increase your speed when you add speed training.
Reduce fatigue and injuries
Keep it interesting
Boredom is something that can make us dislike even things we like. Running is no exception. When you add running variety there is a kind of excitement associated with it. You find yourself looking forward to the run. You might explore a new route, visit a different part of your city, or run past an amazing mural.
Build a well-rounded plan
Well, now you know the benefits of adding running variety to your training. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at these 9 types of runs you can include in your routine. Once you’ve planned that out, it’s time to get running!
Fun Weekend Activities & After Parties
in Blog postThe Importance of Mentally Training for a Half or Full Marathon
in Blog postIf you’re like most runners, you spend the majority of your time training your body to run long distances. But what about your mind? Despite being just as important as the body, mental training often falls by the wayside. In this post, our 2021-2022 Race Ambassador Jackie talks about the importance of mental training and shares some personal experiences to help you get started.
Lace up your sneakers and let’s get started!
Out of 47 races, I have never quit, until last weekend. Heck! I didn’t even start, let alone quit.
I trained for several months for my race. In prime physical condition, I felt very strong and confident in the distance and my ability to finish. But come race morning, I did not want to compete. I didn’t even want to try. I really didn’t want to participate at all. So, I didn’t. I quit, before the race even started. I failed mentally. Upon reflection and talking with other experienced runners and coaches, I realized I never mentally trained for the race.
Here are the mental training tips that I learned and want to share with you as you prepare for your Austin Marathon or Half Marathon.
1) First and foremost, listen to your body. Take a break when your body is telling you that it’s fighting extreme exhaustion or is injured. See a doctor or physical therapist if needed. These tips are for building your mental strength and are not suggested to be used in place of your physical needs.
2) On the flip side, don’t blow off your workouts because you are tired and just don’t feel like doing them that day. After doing this too many times, it becomes the norm. Stand true to your workouts and try to hit as many as possible. Tell yourself you are strong and can do it – then do it!
3) Embrace the suck. Some runs are hard, and they might suck. But without these, you won’t know what a good workout feels like. And these hard workouts make you stronger and faster, so embrace them.
4) Remember that racing is fun. Sure, we all have a little competitiveness and our own personal goals, but they should be fun. If you find yourself frustrated or regretting every workout in your training plan, maybe ask yourself if you are running the right distance.
5) Visualize your race day. Do this early and frequently in your training. Picture the hills, weather (good and bad), temperature, crowd support, etc. Walkthrough good and bad runs in your mind and decide early how you are going to handle each when or if they come.
6) Remember why you committed in the first place. Many times, this alone will carry you through any tough run.
7) Share your feelings with your running tribe. Fellow runners are your best supporters and can help you talk through your concerns. Even if you are one who likes to run alone, call your running friends or message them and just chat about your training and how you feel. These folks can help carry you through any bad workout or race. They will be there to get you to the start.
8) The power of positive thinking is real! Stay positive and don’t allow yourself to travel down the spiral of negativity. Stop and redirect your thoughts if you start down the negative path.
I hope you find help in these and best of luck with your training! You can follow Jackie on Instagram at @jaxbunce.