Florida Marathons: Mental Tips for Marathon Running

Training for Florida marathons? Mental strength is just as important as physical fitness. A1A Marathon in Fort Lauderdale offers some tips on how to maintain your focus and overcome the mental challenges.

First 10 Miles:

1. Start out slow - When you first start, you feel great and confident. However, you must continue to tell yourself to hold back. Take it slow, your body will thank you during the second half of your Florida marathon. 2. Focus on you - Do not worry about people passing you. Go at your own pace. 3. Don’t get emotional - Conserve all the mental energy you can for the rest of the Florida marathon. It is tempting to high-five spectators and get excited when you see family and friends, but try and save some of that energy for later.

Miles 11-20:

1. Break up the distance in your mind - Start breaking up the race into smaller segments to make the distance feel more manageable. 2. Stay mentally tough - Don’t give into self-doubt or discomfort. 3. Beat boredom - Do whatever it takes to keep your mind occupied.

Miles 21-26.2

1. Think outside the body - These last miles, you will probably to begin feeling a little bit of pain or discomfort or just tired. Let your mind take over from how you feel to the outside world - the spectators, the signs, the scenery, & the other runners. 2. Set small milestones - Continue to break up the course. You can begin to count down the miles and minutes. 3. Talk to yourself - Dig down deep for all your extra strenght. Remind yourself why you are there and how hard you have worked.

You can register for the A1A Marathon, a scenic Florida marathon, here!