Positive Affirmations For Runners

Do you ever have those days when your running is difficult? Those days when you just don't know if you can put one foot in front of the other - let alone make it up that big hill you know is coming up. Or, you started out feeling great - turned around to head back home and feel like you've hit the wall at a marathon?

Every runner has had those days. The key is to get through it and finish up your run. Believe it or not - sometimes running is more mental than physical.

So, how do you get a little extra motivational push to get through your run? Try positive affirmations for runners! Affirmations are defined as something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment. Affirmations are powerful if you are feeding your mind positive statements. I am a firm believer in positive in all areas of my life. In my personal life - my business life - and my running life.

A positive, motivational energetic affirmation can help you get rid of the negative self-talk that may happen on a hard run. You know the negative self-talk: "I'll never make it up that hill", "I just can't run anymore", etc. More positive self-talk will help your self-confidence - and so will you.

Think of a one line statement that you can say to yourself over and over when you need that little extra push. Two of my favorites are: "I am a strong and healthy runner" and "I run all distances with ease".

Here are a few more examples of some great running affirmations:

1. My body is a finely tuned machine.
2. I run through the pain straight to the gain.
3. A great runner lives within me.
4. I am filled with energy.
5. I love running hills.
6. I always finish strong.
7. I am keeping up a strong pace.

Saying something positive to yourself over and over will help you get through that rough spot or up that big hill. You know - like the little engine that could - but instead of starting with "I think I can" - say "I know I can"!

Keeping and maintaining a positive attitude is healthy and needed for all areas of your life. Part of this is positive self-talk. Get up in the morning and tell yourself that you are a strong runner and you are going to have a great run!

As you can see, this is important to your success as a runner. Visit Running Tips for other tips for staying out on the roads. You can also sign up for my Free weekly newsletter at Runner For Life.

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Levein positive about Fletcher's future

 

Scotland boss Craig Levein still believes Darren Fletcher will lead his country's assault on the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ despite being forced to take an extended break from the game.

Manchester United revealed yesterday that Fletcher had compromised his own recovery from a chronic bowel complaint in order to do his duty for club and country.

However, with the 27-year-old's situation giving cause for concern once more after another absence, previously attributed by the club to "a virus", the decision has been made for Fletcher to stand down.

"I am obviously absolutely devastated for Darren because I know how hard he has worked to get back to playing regularly for his club and country," said Levein. "He is one of the most inspirational players I have had the pleasure of working with.

"I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren this week and the most important thing at this stage is for the player to be given time to rest and recuperate. He is a central part of our plans for the World Cup 2014 qualifiers but at this stage his health is paramount."

A thoroughly likeable individual, there will be few who do not share the hope Rio Ferdinand expressed on Twitter that Fletcher eventually makes a full recovery. Other athletes, including Sir Steve Redgrave, have maintained top level sporting careers despite health problems.

However, as the 'attacks' are so varied in strength and deeply personal, a full recovery is by no means guaranteed. "Whilst he (Fletcher) was able to maintain remission of symptoms for a considerable period this has proved more difficult recently and Darren's continued desire to play and his loyalty to both his club and country has probably compromised the chances of optimising his own health and fitness," said a statement issued by United.

"He has therefore accepted medical advice to take an extended break from the demands of training and playing in order to afford the best chance possible of achieving full remission once again."

Aside from genuine concern for his fellow countryman, for Sir Alex Ferguson it exacerbates an already acute shortage of bodies in his midfield ahead of the packed festive programme. It is anticipated Tom Cleverley will return during the Christmas campaign.

However, with Anderson currently sidelined and skipper Nemanja Vidic ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, yesterday's news may force United to revise their previously stated intention of not buying in January unless Ferguson intends offering Paul Pogba and Darron Gibson a far more prominent role than had originally been envisaged.

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