Training for a marathon is psychologically very tough indeed. You will undoubtedly have to cope with some of the following problems during your marathon training program:
- Physical pain
- Training alone
- Being injured or ill
- Not having enough time
- Making no progress
- Being outdoors in bad weather; and
- Fearing failure.
Marathon training motivation tips
To get some positive thinking back into your marathon training, try some of these these tips:
- Remind your self why you want to run a marathon
- Look at your marathon training schedule
- Charity running
- Look at your friends
- Think about those you will beat
- Visualise success
- Feel strong and fast
- Live like an athlete
- Change your training
- Find a running partner
- Reconsider your targets
Look at the note you made of the reasons for running a marathon when you started your training.
See how far your running has progressed.
If you’re running for charity, think of the good your fund-raising efforts will do.
Specifically, look at friends who are in poor physical shape and remind yourself how much healthier running has made you.
Even if you’re on target for a slow time, you’ll probably beat lots of other runners. Look at last year’s race results and see how many people the time you are training for would beat.
Imagine the amazing feeling of crossing the finishing line at the end of the marathon – or telling your friends about it afterwards.
Tell yourself that your legs feel great, that you’re running fast or whatever else you need as a placebo to block out physical discomfort and negative thoughts.
Tell yourself that you are an athlete; this makes you a pretty special person (even though there might be plenty of other athletes who are quicker than you).
Find some new running routes or use some different kit at the gym – a change can be as good as a rest, as the old saying goes.
A bit of teamwork can really be a pick-me-up.
Finally, if you have set a target that is simply too demanding (like a super-quick time), you may need to revise your targets a little.
Above all, there’s no point in allowing your training to make your life miserable – marathon running is a hobby for goodness sake!
It’s meant to be a life-enriching experience, not a millstone round your neck.
Happily, there are so many great things about running a marathon that getting back on track with a positive mindset shouldn’t be impossible.
Lots of great aidcve and encouragement. I’m 40, took up running 2 years ago and just finshed my 2nd half-marathon. One of the most valuable things I have learned is that each runner has to make their own determination on whether they can complete such a distance. Will you be supported for having the goal, training, etc? ABSOLUTELY! Technically, can it be done, sure but in what way/in what condition/in what time frame/over what period of training is the question each person has answer. There is a chapter in the Mortals book about what your goals are. The end of the book has a chapter that has you honestly examine your goals again, where you are physically, mentally, did you do all the training, did you struggle with injuries, etc. I found this to be the most helpful piece of information available in preparing for the race. I can’t suggest this book enough. Once you get into your training program, you will be able to make your own determination on whether a marathon is something you can do. Whether you do a marathon or not, you’ll be supported by fellow runners. There is a place is this sport for every person of any age, every pace and every distance!