by Jennifer Williamson

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 14, 2009

While some people view marathon runners as "mental", there is something to be said for the mental strength that is required to cover the 26.2 mile distance a marathon demands. The marathon is certainly grueling from a physical perspective, but if you talk to a marathoner, she will tell you that mental preparation is equally important, if not more so. I have run five marathons, and have found that despite my training efforts, the marathon distance never gets any easier. In fact, my fifth marathon was the most grueling of them all from a mental perspective, but yet also the most rewarding. At mile nine, the seeds of doubt were not only planted, but sprouting. But pushing through, drawing upon mental reserves and finishing, is what keeps marathon runners coming back for more. With good mental preparation, you can add some additional tools to your arsenal, increasing your chances of a successful finish.

The 26.2 mile distance is overwhelming when you look at it in its entirety. If you drive around in your car and track how far 26.2 miles is, it's daunting to say the very least. One way to lessen the intimidation factor of the distance is to break it down into smaller pieces. This holds true for long training runs as well. If you're running a 15 mile training run, sometimes it's easier to look at it as three five mile runs. For the marathon itself, break it down into four, five-mile increments, with a 10k at the end. The last 6.2 miles can sometimes be the longest miles you've ever run, so it often becomes necessary to break it down even further, taking it one mile at a time, or even one MINUTE at a time. By taking this piecemeal approach, both your mind and body are better equipped to tackle the immediate task at hand.

During tough early morning training runs, your physical and mental tenacity will most certainly be tested, setting the stage to put your strategies to work. Visualization should not be underestimated as a powerful tool for mentally preparing yourself to run a marathon. During training runs when you're feeling weak, visualizing yourself crossing the finish line reinforces the goal you are working to attain, strengthening your mental will in the process. Sometimes this mental will is the only thing that keeps your legs moving during a marathon.

Running mantras are also a useful means to propel you forward in a marathon. These words of encouragement that you whisper to yourself can be anything upon which you draw strength. In the late miles of a marathon, many runners experience self-doubt, so words like "Trust your training" can be helpful. If your goal is to improve upon your finishing time and you're feeling the pain, consider something like, "Pain is temporary. Pride is forever." Or, you can keep it simple, using words along the lines of, "Smart, Steady, Smooth, Strong". Whatever you choose, make sure it's meaningful to you.

A very small percentage of the general population complete a marathon, but with the proper physical training and mental toughness, it is a goal that can be attained by anyone who makes the commitment to do it. Marathons are challenging and difficult in the best of circumstances; but the reward of finishing one is unparalleled.

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