Occupy your mind while running

Keep your brain occupied during running training

How often do you go into ‘auto-pilot’ mode when out on a long run, before realising that you have got no recollection of the last three or four miles of running? We’ve put together a list of things you could think about when you are out on that long and seemingly endless training run.

Why not try some of the following, when out running?

Think about the number of calories that you are burning off – the average runner will burn off roughly 700 calories per hour during an easy training run. That equals to about 116 calories for every mile (at ten-minute mile pace).
Work out the cost per mile of those new running shoes that you bought last month and be happy with yourself when the cost drops as the miles increase. Trust us it’ll make you feel better!
Think about what a horrible day you had at work and plan your strategy for the next day. Running is a great way to clear your head.
Work out a new race strategy by varying your starting pace and finishing pace. Use your training runs as a testing ground for your body.
Run past a busy take-away shop and smile smugly at the people in the queue and remind yourself just how fit you are...and how weak they are!
Imagine yourself at the head of an Olympic marathon. You’re just about to enter the stadium and you can hear someone bearing down on you. Think about how you’d react.
If you’ve got exams coming up, or an important report or presentation at work. Think how much better you’ll feel after the run. Your head will be clear and after a hot shower, you’ll be invigorated and ready to tackle the project again, fully refreshed.
Think about how lucky you are! You’ve got your health, you’re fit and you’re outdoors. Imagine what things could be like. You could be stuck in traffic or on a train, or sitting on your sofa, thirty kilos overweight and heading towards a coronary.