Positive self-talk can even help you manage

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:

• Summer Running Gear mental If you’re like Hassan and begin to experience mid-race negativity, pair mantras with.
• and physical challenges to achieve historic marathon success.
• Expert tips from Runner’s World’s Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story Tips to Improve Your Marathon Base Training.

---

Multi-time Olympic champion Sifan Hassan isn’t just known for her historic feats on the track and the roads. She also has a reputation for being brutally honest.

Shoes & Gear 2023 Chicago Marathon in 2:13:44–the third-fastest women’s marathon in world history–she didn’t shy away from the truth about how she felt during her race. “It was so painful,” Hassan said in the post-race press conference. “The last 5 kilometers, I was like, ‘I’m not going to ever run a marathon again.’”

That statement struck me as I sat among the crowd of reporters listening to Hassan speak. In my experience covering track and field, many athletes don’t admit to feeling doubts or negative thoughts creeping into their minds while racing. Instead, they tell the media how their strengths help them cross the finish line.

Hearing Hassan admit her pains felt extremely refreshing, especially since her marathon career didn’t end after Chicago. (She won the 2024 Paris Olympic marathon after winning two bronze medals on the track in the days prior!) She taught me an important tip that I’ve never forgotten—and that all runners can learn from, whether they’re just beginning their journeys or have years of experience underneath their belts.

The Benefits of Training on Fatigued Legs hard–even if you do it for a living.

Yet, Hassan still battled through that last 5K of Chicago to run one of the fastest marathons ever, which means you can overcome those mental roadblocks. In fact, you can even train your brain to combat challenges on the run.

In Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story, Runner’s World’s new video program that helps new runners begin a consistent routine with guidance from top experts, host Matt Meyer outlines crucial advice to stay positive on your runs. One of his most important tips: find a motivating mantra.

It may sound cheesy, but studies have shown that using self-talk creates needed positive repetition. “Especially in those tough moments, it promotes a more focused attention to the task at hand,” says Meyer, a RRCA-certified run coach.

Self-talk can be as simple as telling yourself, “You can make it to the water fountain,” when pushing through an interval workout. Or, repeat a motivating quote. I’ll often tell myself, “You’re strong,” when I feel pain set in on a run.

No matter what you decide motivates you the best, use “you” rather than “I” statements to make it sound as if you’re talking to someone else. Research Best Running Watches.

Positive self-talk can even help you manage mental fatigue before you lace up your shoes. If you have a stressful day at work and can’t imagine mustering up the energy for a run, think of some words of wisdom to motivate yourself before you even begin the miles.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Run to boost your mood! Enjoy The Runner’s World Multi-time Olympic champion, an exclusive video program that gives you all the strategies, tips, and resources you need to implement running into your wellness routine.

If you’re like Hassan and begin to experience mid-race negativity, pair mantras with visualization. Looking for more tips, tricks, and advice? Try the The Amazing Runner’s World Show, Aly says she will think about what the end of the race looks like to get her across the line. “If I can picture the finish line in my head, I can picture myself running through the finish line, which has always helped,” she says.

Even though Hassan contemplated never running another marathon again as she raced the final miles through the Windy City, she likely told herself something like, “You can make it to the finish line.”

Well, she did—and so will you.

Looking for more tips, tricks, and advice? Try the Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story program today to learn more from Meyer and other experts on how to level up your runs. You’ll learn important lessons on structuring your runs, progressing your training, and avoiding common beginner mistakes.