Positive thoughts = Negative splits.
I saw this on the back of a guy's race t-shirt while waiting in line to get on a ride at Disney World a couple years ago. I thought it was a perfect saying for runners.
Negative splits for runners is when you run each increment of your run (I go by miles) at a faster pace than the previous. In other words, if you run a 9:00 on your first mile, an 8:30 on your second, and an 8:00 on your third, than you had negative splits.
When I run I tend to get stronger every mile. I have heard people say the opposite, that they get slower because they get tired. Part of it is physical. You have to train yourself to get stronger physically. But by keeping your thoughts positive you give yourself a better chance of getting stronger with each mile. Instead of thinking "I'm too tired, I can't do this" you need to remind yourself that "I'm strong, I can do this" You have to train yourself both mentally and physically so that your mind and body are working together. Here is how I do it.
Most of my shorter runs I try to get negative splits, especially in a 5k race. In a 5k I really want to keep positive. I have had moments where I wasn't where I wanted to be time wise and it can really get you down. These are the times when staying positive is a must. If I can remind myself that I have worked really hard and I just need to trust myself I can get the negative splits to make up that time.
Developing physical stamina is easy. Just run. Well, get on a program to increase your mileage or run every day. But developing your mental stamina takes a little more effort.
I just had someone yesterday tell me they were having trouble running because they couldn't get out of their own head. It happens to everybody. Instead of thinking about what you can't do, think about what you can do. You usually find that you can do more if you stay positive. It's hard to do when your body hurts and you don't really want to keep pushing. But if you stay positive you can reach your goal.
Another thing that helps keep my thoughts positive is my music. When I run I listen to a lot of music that is upbeat and has a good positive message. When I am struggling and a song comes on my iPod that is uplifting and positive it gives me an adrenaline boost and helps me get the negative splits I desire.
So the next time you are out running and you want to get faster each mile just remind yourself:
POSITIVE THOUGHTS = NEGATIVE SPLITS
I saw this on the back of a guy's race t-shirt while waiting in line to get on a ride at Disney World a couple years ago. I thought it was a perfect saying for runners.
Negative splits for runners is when you run each increment of your run (I go by miles) at a faster pace than the previous. In other words, if you run a 9:00 on your first mile, an 8:30 on your second, and an 8:00 on your third, than you had negative splits.
When I run I tend to get stronger every mile. I have heard people say the opposite, that they get slower because they get tired. Part of it is physical. You have to train yourself to get stronger physically. But by keeping your thoughts positive you give yourself a better chance of getting stronger with each mile. Instead of thinking "I'm too tired, I can't do this" you need to remind yourself that "I'm strong, I can do this" You have to train yourself both mentally and physically so that your mind and body are working together. Here is how I do it.
Most of my shorter runs I try to get negative splits, especially in a 5k race. In a 5k I really want to keep positive. I have had moments where I wasn't where I wanted to be time wise and it can really get you down. These are the times when staying positive is a must. If I can remind myself that I have worked really hard and I just need to trust myself I can get the negative splits to make up that time.
Developing physical stamina is easy. Just run. Well, get on a program to increase your mileage or run every day. But developing your mental stamina takes a little more effort.
I just had someone yesterday tell me they were having trouble running because they couldn't get out of their own head. It happens to everybody. Instead of thinking about what you can't do, think about what you can do. You usually find that you can do more if you stay positive. It's hard to do when your body hurts and you don't really want to keep pushing. But if you stay positive you can reach your goal.
Another thing that helps keep my thoughts positive is my music. When I run I listen to a lot of music that is upbeat and has a good positive message. When I am struggling and a song comes on my iPod that is uplifting and positive it gives me an adrenaline boost and helps me get the negative splits I desire.
So the next time you are out running and you want to get faster each mile just remind yourself:
POSITIVE THOUGHTS = NEGATIVE SPLITS
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