I love to read at least an article on running every day that Runner’s World newsletter and other running websites I subscribe to send to my inbox. I learn a lot and the articles also give me ideas for future blogs, such as this article published in the Runner’s World newsletter about four ways to build mental toughness. I said to myself: why only four? I am sure I can come up with at least 10, so there you have it.

However, before I delve into my 10 ways to build mental toughness, I have the honor to introduce my awesome coach and friend Robert Ressl-Moyer who also tackled this topic. The founder of ReMo Fitness, a coach, personal trainer, Robert also holds a six-year degree in Exercise Science and is an accomplished long distance and ultra-runner, as well as the winner of many 50K and 50-mile races.

 

 

According to Robert Ressl-Moyer, there are three very important ways to improve mental toughness.

 

1. Choose one aspect of training you usually are shying away from during each training cycle. If you need to improve hills, run hills. If you lack the power and steadiness on flat terrain, run on flats. If you don´t strength train, try to incorporate strength training. Facing your fears and getting uncomfortable in training will grow your potential to overcome obstacles during race day.

 

 

2. Mental toughness is trusting in yourself and knowing your abilities. It is also recognizing what you need to improve upon in a certain situation and acting no matter of the consequences. That can mean either realizing that dropping out of an important race is the best choice, or continuing to red line and pushing through obstacles to achieve a goal. Mental toughness is a powerful tool to achieve your maximum results. When Galen Rupp dropped out of the Boston Marathon 2018 he was criticized but celebrated when he won the Prague Marathon just a few weeks later.

3. For Robert Ressl-Moyer being confronted with and overcoming challenges during training cycles is always a big confidence booster on race day. For instance, when he raced the North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile in 2017, he stayed calm when he  experienced first cramping in his calves at the 20-mile mark. When that happened, Robert just told himself that there was no way that his cramps will slow him down. And even tough the cramps did not disappear, his issues stayed manageable through the whole race and he started his successful chase, placing 16th in a very competitive field.

 

In my case, the mental toughness shaped itself way before I became a runner at the age of 42. I have played in more than 250 tennis tournaments and I have been known as a mentally tough player, who can find a way to win like a ninja, the nickname that Christy, my awesome tennis friend, came up with for me.

To purchase my tennis book  just click on the link https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01N0RWHPQ?ref_=pe_1724030_132998070.

 

 

 

Therefore, my 10 tips to improve your mental toughness as a runner and athlete are below:

 

1. Trust in your own supernatural powers – We all have them when we believe fiercely and passionately in ourselves and chase our wildest dreams.

2. Learn to trick your brain by reciting mantras, such as “I can do this,”  “I have fresh legs,” “I just started my run,” even though you ran for a few hours,” “Run like a ninja,” which applies to me, since I am a ninja- ha!ha!, and just pretend that the effort is easier than it truly is. Chin up!

3. Never use the word hard; instead say challenging.

4. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Long races, such as marathons and ultramarathons are perfect examples.

5. Be prepared and expect obstacles to block your way and slow you down. However,  you can simply pretend you’re doing hurdles and you can gracefully jump over them.

6. Life is a fight, therefore fight, as George Cosbuc, one of our famous Romanian poets, said. Nothing comes easy and without sacrifices, there are no victories, so no need to whine and complain; just get to work. Chin up!

7. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you, but who can also be honest with you and help you grow.

8. Run, eat, sleep, repeat! Simple concept, right? No extra explanation needed.

9. Don’t forget to smile! Research shows that you’ll run a little faster and will not mind or sense the pain as much.

10. Carpe Diem, or seize the day/moment.  There is no reason to dwell on the past or fret about the future. Running is one of the best sports to enjoy and experience in the NOW.

 

 

I hope these tips help you with all your future athletic events.  And last but not least, please share with  us your favorite mental toughness tips. How have you overcome obstacles and how did you use your mental toughness to succeed? Any favorite mantras you use and would like to share? Any fun anecdotes?

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Running for real estate with joy!