5 Ways to Improve Focus While Running

Stay focused, stay in the groove.

Whether you’re in a race or tackling a long run while training, it’s not always easy to keep your feet moving. Sometimes, the aches and exhaustion can make you feel like simply giving up and walking the rest of the way home. But if you’re a serious runner, you know how much better you’ll feel if you don’t give up. You know that part of running means pushing through the pain and improving a little bit each time you’re out. Here are five ways you can help yourself focus during the tough times.

1. Try taking your mind off the pain. You won’t be able to do this completely, but giving yourself some menial tasks to handle can help dull the pain and get you feeling “in the groove” again. For example, if you need a distraction, try reciting the alphabet backwards – when you’re thinking about what comes before “Q,” you’re not thinking about how tough things are. It’s a temporary fix, but it can help you through the rough patches.

2. A different option is to start monitoring your self-talk. You know that little voice your head uses when you’re out there? It might start saying things like “I am so tired,” or “I’ll never get there without stopping.” Take control of that voice. Start saying things like “This might be really hard, but I’ve conquered worse before.” Start with realistic affirmations that will remind you of how strong you are.

3. Compose or remember a song in your head. The natural rhythm of your feet hitting the ground can be your baseline. Sound odd? It works for some – and can even start getting you closer to that “runner’s high” so many people talk about. Music is one of the most powerful stimulants we have, and if you start remembering one of the songs that motivates you, you might find some added energy you didn’t know you had. If you bring an iPod with you, fast forward to an uplifting song that you need right now.

4. Stop fighting it. Many times, we’re fighting the own resistance in our heads rather than the difficulties of the run itself. Stop fighting yourself and say “I just have one lap to go – it’s going to hurt, but I’m going to run it anyway” and move on from there. Simply keep running, and decide to stop fighting with yourself and trying to figure out when your next break is.

5. Rile yourself up. Sometimes, a raw emotion like anger is what you need to get you through. If you’re sick of trying to focus, don’t be afraid to get angry – even let out a yell, if no one’s around – and keep pumping those legs. You’ll find added energy and start to wonder how you ever doubted yourself in the first place.

Photo Credits: formulaphoto

Originally posted 2009-06-08 05:33:57.

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