Positive self-talk is really important for runners, especially on race day. But sometimes, it can be hard to stay positive. There are a few reasons for this:

Common Challenges:

• Negative thoughts often pop up, making runners question their training and abilities.
• Pressure from the competition can create anxiety, which hurts confidence.
• Distractions from things happening around them can mask positive messages they want to tell themselves.

Simple Solutions:

1. Preparation: Make sure to include mental training in your regular workouts.
2. Practice: Try using self-talk during tough training runs to get used to fighting off negative thoughts.
3. Affirmations: Create a list of positive statements that are realistic and personal. These can help push away doubts.

Even though positive self-talk is very important, it won’t work well on race day if you don’t practice it and have a plan.