Buzz
Starting a workout in a bad mood or feeling dread about what’s ahead can easily lead to a rough experience. But if you recall your most triumphant gym sessions or those unforgettable finish-line moments, you can tap into that energy to set a positive tone from the start.
This is similar to the idea of visualizing your ideal day, but it’s more than just wishful thinking. You’ve already had great workouts, so you know it’s possible to achieve another one. I rely on this technique often, especially when facing tough runs that seem overwhelming.
For instance, when I approach the daunting hill on my favorite trail, I recall the hill at mile 11 of the Pittsburgh half-marathon. Though I was exhausted, I managed to overtake a few runners by pacing myself and taking it slow and steady up the incline.
Or, when I head out to run in the cold, I remember a memorable snowy run with friends. The snowflakes were as big as quarters, the world was peaceful and quiet, and in that moment, there was nowhere else I’d rather be than right there in the winter beauty.
For nearly every run, I like to recall the fastest 5K I’ve ever completed. I started out sluggish, feeling drained since I didn’t warm up properly. But once I hit the second mile, which was partly downhill, and the last mile, which was flat, I knew the course well enough to pace myself perfectly. It felt like I was flying as I picked up speed.
We should all have our own highlight reel of unforgettable experiences to lean on, as mental consultant Adrienne Langelier shared with Triathlete. For more on this concept, follow the link below to read further.
Photo by Stefan.
