Enhancing Your Running Performance
and Enjoyment through Mental Training

As you know, running is a tough sport! It takes a ton of motivation and will power to get out on the roads and log mile after mile or push through that last portion of a distance race. Running is a true test of physical ability, but it may be even more of a test of mental ability. The mental demands of our sport are huge and the way we think and mentally prepare can have a tremendous impact on how we perform and what we get out of our running experiences. Whether you are a competitive runner, a recreational runner, or just a beginner, training your mind along with your body will allow you to reach your potential and increase your enjoyment of the sport.

What can Mental Skills Training Do For Your Running?

• Help you to perform to the best of your ability by pushing yourself beyond self imposed limitations.
• Increasing your awareness of ineffective or self defeating patterns that may be keeping you from reaching your potential.
• Help you to perform your best under pressure.
• Increase your consistency.
• Increase control over your performance.

What Mental Skills Can Be Used To Improve Your Running?

• Effective Goal Setting
• Relaxation & Proper Breathing Techniques
• Concentration Skill
• Mental Imagery & Visualization
• Self-Talk & Positive Affirmations
• Confidence
• Motivation
• Commitment
• Race Plans and Strategies

Mental skills training, just like your physical training take hard work, time and dedication to be effective. It’s not a “quick fix” and it cannot replace your physical training. However if practiced, it can serve to enhance all of the hard work that has been put into the physical aspects of the sport!

Check back for updates and mental training tips! For more information or to schedule individual or team consulting sessions please contact:

Ashley Anderson

Mental Training Consultant

Masters Student in Sport and Performance
Psychology at the University of Denver

Aander76@du.edu

(248) 895-0748