Train Your Mind Like You Train Your Body – Mental Training – Building Resilience

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Hey Reader,

I Believe The Strongest Muscle You Have Is Your Mind!

We spend hours training our bodies—logging miles, lifting weights, and fine-tuning our nutrition. But what about our minds?

When the miles get tough, when your legs are screaming, and doubt creeps in, your mindset is what keeps you moving forward. Mental training is just as important as physical training, and the best runners don’t just train their bodies—they train their minds to be unshakable.

How to Build Mental Resilience in Running (and Life!)

1. Reframe Negative Thoughts
   • When the voice in your head says, “I can’t do this,” flip it to “I can take one more step.” Small shifts in thinking lead to big breakthroughs.
2. Visualize Success
   • Before your race or a tough workout, close your eyes and picture yourself pushing through the hard miles and crossing the finish line strong. Your brain believes what you repeatedly imagine.
3. Embrace Discomfort
   • Instead of fearing the hard moments, lean into them. The discomfort isn’t a sign to stop—it’s proof that you’re growing stronger.
4. Use Mantras and Positive Self-Talk
   • Find a phrase that fuels you when the going gets tough. “One step at a time.” “Stay in the fight.” “You are stronger than you think.” These words become powerful anchors when your mind starts to waver.
5. Control the Controllables
   • Weather, terrain, competition—so many things are out of your control. But your effort, attitude, and determination? Those are 100% yours. Focus on what you can control.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Resilient runners don’t wait until race day to train their minds. They build mental strength during everyday runs, in every challenge, in every tough moment they push through.

And here’s the best part—this doesn’t just apply to running. Life will throw unexpected detours your way, but the same resilience you develop on the trail will help you navigate challenges off the trail, too.

Action Items:

1. Choose a mantra you can use in your next run when things get tough.
2. Before your next workout, visualize yourself pushing through a challenging moment.
3. Write down three things you can control when things don’t go as planned.

Your mind is your most powerful tool—train it like you train your body.

I flesh some of this out a bit more on this week’s Midweek Motivation on the Podcast! Check it out on Youtube or on all podcast platforms!

On the Journey,
David