Visualization is a tool you can your to run a better race. It as simple as imagining yourself having a successful race. It is just as important that you show up to your race mentally prepared to run as it is physically prepared to run. If you have never practiced visualization you will be surprised by what a difference it makes in how you feel going into the race as well as with the results of your race.
To practice visualization you rehearse in your mind how you will execute your race under varying circumstances. Making time go over your race in your mind is just as important as the physical preparation. If you know the race course, then picture running it in your mind and imagine feeling strong. If there are hills imagine powerfully attacking them. Study the weather conditions for race day and imagine yourself running well even if its hot and humid or cold and rainy.
When you see yourself having a a great race your mind will learn to expect it. Your body will automatically respond because it already knows what to do. This allows you to approach the starting line with confidence
Visualization can also be used in conjunction with your training runs and speed workouts. The day before your speed workouts imagine yourself successfully completing it and nailing all your times. During the workout itself imagine that you are in an actual race. This is especially helpful if you are running goal pace workouts because you can use this an an opportunity to train your brain on how the pace will feel and to positively reinforce it. On easy paced runs you can visualize running in the race, just be careful not to push the pace.
Using visualization will keep you focused in your race. Negative thoughts can creep in and set you up for a bad race. However, if you have rehearsed various scenarios in your head beforehand, your mind will know how to tell your body how to respond. This will allow you to confidently take on challenges the race presents.
If you have never tried visualization I encourage you to do so. If you have leave a comment below or over on my Facebook page and share how it has helped you!
Hi Beverly! I too have dealt with issues that caused me to develop an auto-immune disease back in 2001. After moving to Arkansas 9 years ago I often found myself feeling really alone because I didn’t know anyone, but then made some local friends. Even after moving over to Little Rock, all of my friends were health coaches. I thank social media for helping me to have people to talk to (friends and family back in Michigan and here in Arkansas) That connection is invaluable. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I realized that if I am under stress I don’t even know it. I don’t really feel it physically. This dumbfounded me because my stress hormone was high, but I didn’t feel bad. Anxiety also acts similarly like fear towards me, but I do feel the butterflies of anxiety now. Working out on a regular basis has helped me to squash stress and anxiety. Plus now, cbd oil has been the biggest and most fantastic way I have been able to cope after being homebound and stuck on the couch since April with a severely sprained ankle. Even getting on a plane (which I hate to do) I had no anxiety at all. I feel super relaxed these days, and finally I am able to begin working out….not running at this time, but I can move and walk a few miles a day now. It has been so helpful to connect with other coaches like yourself and speak more about this. In not speaking about it more diseases can pop up unexpectedly and we never want this to happen. It is time to Heal. Love ya Beverly!!
Great points Heidi! Like you, I didn’t even know I was suffering from anxiety until I sought help sorting through all the craziness in my life. Hmm…CBD oil…who knew! I agree, we need to speak out more. I think too many people put up a front and suffer in silence!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so brave. If you ever want to compare notes on fear, anxiety, grief, not being able to get out of bed, coping with and without running as your crutch, reinventing yourself, truly finding your faith in Christ; my heart always has time and a place for you and your twin!!! ❤️ Conlin.cathy@gmail.com
Oh I bet you could Cathy! Thank you so much for sharing. I don’t think we talk about mental health enough. I am so proud of you for finding your faith and strength in the Lord. He is ever present, evening our worst storms!
Hi Beverly,
I so miss connecting with you all! I too have very much shared your journey. I’m on the other side of it now but am changing many things in my life wich as you know comes with its own grieving as we leave the old behind. It’s lovely to see you share your story as I know it helps many of us.
Would love to get together again.
Hugs,
Kelley
Kelley I miss you too! Thank you for your kind words and your support. We need to get the Soul Sisters together again!