It's in the mind!

It has been said that running is 90% mental and 10% physical, so why is it that most runners spend a huge percentage of their training time pounding out the miles but not training their thoughts?  Mental imagery can help boost your performance so perhaps it's time to include it in your training plan.

If someone wants to sell you something they are likely to use images or stimulate your imagination to create neuromuscular impulses that lead to physical responses in your body. If you want to achieve your running goal you can use imagery that will help you do just that. There are two ways of using mental imagery:

·         Internal - Imagine yourself in the moment when you are running towards your goal. Think about the sensations you will feel as you achieve your goal.

·         External - See yourself from the outside. Imagine someone else observing you as you achieve your goal. Look at your running form, see how strong and fast you are and how effortless you make it look!

You may have seen elite athletes using imagery before they start their race. They may have their eyes closed or be looking down the track. They will be playing the scenario in their mind as they mentally prepare for the race. But this won't be the first time they have done this. During their preparation in the weeks and months before the race they will have taken time to use imagery and instil self belief.

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