The Science of Mental Toughness: Because Running is 90% Mental, 10% Cursing

Running is a sport that requires mental toughness, or as we like to call it, "the ability to ignore the voices in your head telling you to stop." 

But what makes a runner mentally tough? Is it the ability to push through pain or the capacity to convince yourself that running in the rain is actually enjoyable? 

Let's explore the science behind mental toughness and running.

The Brain-Body Connection

When you run, your brain and body have a constant dialogue. 

Your brain says, "Hey, let's go for a run!" 

And your body replies, "Uh, do we have to?" 

But as you continue to run, your brain starts to play tricks on you. It tells you that you're tired, that you need to walk, that there's a sale at the mall, and you should totally go shopping instead. 

But the mentally tough runner knows how to shut down that dialogue and replace it with positive affirmations, like "I've got this!" or "I'm a rockstar!"

The Power of Positive Thinking

Studies have shown that positive thinking can actually improve performance. So, instead of focusing on the pain and discomfort, mentally tough runners focus on the positive aspects of running, like the sense of accomplishment and the joy of moving their bodies. 

They repeat mantras like "I am strong" and "I can do this" to convince their brains that they're actually enjoying the experience.

Embracing the Suck

Let's face it, running can be uncomfortable. But mentally tough runners know that the only way to get through the discomfort is to embrace it. They acknowledge that it's okay to feel pain and that it's a necessary part of the process. 

They say to themselves, "This sucks, but I'm going to do it anyway."

Mental toughness is what separates the runners from the non-runners. 

It's what gets us out of bed at 6 a.m. to hit the pavement, even when our brains tell us to stay in bed. So, the next time you're out on a run and your brain starts playing tricks on you, remember you're in control. You can shut down that dialogue and replace it with positive affirmations. 

If all else fails, repeat this mantra: "I am strong, I can do this, and I will never again wear these stupid compression socks."