Train Your Brain

Week 8 Challenge – Train Your Brain

I firmly believe that anyone can train for a marathon.

Yes, it is physically challenging.  However, the physical aspect of running is not the hardest part of running a marathon. 

The real challenge is harnessing the mental toughness required when you reach mile 18 and your legs are aching, the sun is beating down on your back, you feel a blister forming on your little toe and your bra is chafing so badly you can see blood seeping through your shirt (yes, this is my story).  

It’s at that point that all the physical training in the world ceases to matter and your mental strength becomes the major contributing factor to you crossing that finish line.

This is when your little personal mantra, positive affirmation or pep talk becomes your life line.  

I found it most effective to alternate between counting to ten (weird, I know) and repeating to myself "You've got this, this is an easy lap lady." 

You simply must train your brain! 

Your brain plays a key role in any challenging physical endeavor you undertake, whether running a race, reaching a new PR (personal record) on the deadlift or finally achieving (and braving) a handstand. 

According to the Esprit de She Challenge Page:

Studies show that even if you’ve done everything right, your mind saying “no” could still stand between you and your goal. Similarly, telling yourself that you like to run hills can help you get up and over them; picturing your legs pedaling faster than your opponents’ can help you break free from the pack. In other words, mental toughness can make or break your training session or race experience.

Your challenge this week is to practice visualization to strengthen this mind-body connection. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Set a positive mantra or affirmation — “I am strong,” or “I am fast,” for instance — and use the cues to center yourself in moments of self-doubt.
• Practice deep breathing. When you’re calm, your mind creates better images and you employ more of your senses.
• Keep the images positive. Positive imagery and mentally practicing your sport can carry over into your performance. Imagine yourself easily running or biking up a hill or bursting through the finish line. Rehearsing in your head — even when you’re lying perfectly still — may prepare your muscles and nervous system to respond in the ways you want them to come race day.
• Details matter. The more senses you employ — hearing your bike wheels whir over the pavement or feeling the temperature of the water, for instance — the better visualization will work.
• Keep at it. Just like putting, visualization takes practice. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve.

I applaud you as you push your body to reach and achieve new challenges.  But, I encourage you to not stop there.  Take it further and begin to train your brain as well.  It will allow you to accomplish so much more!

That is it for the 8-week Esprit de She Challenge.  I hope you have grown as much as I have over these past two months and are feeling stronger than ever.  

Be well,

Crissy Fishbane

P.S.  Interested in trying a 5K, 10K or Tri?  Newbies welcome!  Esprit de She is such a positive race series designed with women in mind and are located in awesome places all over the US!  Check out the list of upcoming events to find one near you, or perhaps one you would like to travel to ;)   Then use this code to get $5 off your registration fee!

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Happy running!  #beyourpotential