What am I thinking off during a Race especially in the Full Marathon events, where the anxiety, challenges and insecurity feelings for amateur runners are far higher, and hence critical that every step is in the correct direction. Sequencing of points is not based on any criteria, and most of them are equally important and pretty much related to each other. These are my personal thoughts and experiences.
Please be aware that the objective here is to perform to the best of personal capabilities and not to compete with other runners around you or to win a position in the Podium.
1. Winning attitude – After months of training, the opportunity to perform is now. Give in best capable that’s physically and mentally possible to achieve plans and targets. Effort levels put into a race vary based on the event I am participating in, hence put in my 100% focus in around 2 races in a year
2. Always start by thanking the almighty for the opportunity to experience the miraculous event. Personally consider the entire route as a temple, where we are the blessed ones to get to participate in the event that challenges you to the best
3. Getting into a Rhythm - The initial couple of kms is a bit of a struggle to get warmed up and settle at a perfect rhythm almost similar to a meditation. Critical to get into an ideal pace based on past experience, current training and target pace. Effort levels gets to a minimal once in an ideal rhythm
4. Being relaxed & running effortless - This is one of the most critical aspect during every race. Personally find this easier in a Full Marathon event rather than a 10k or shorter distances where intensity is significantly higher. Effortless running is almost similar to be in a meditation state where there is a feeling of almost no fuel being burnt even while running in at a strong pace. Not sure how this state of mind comes, but assume with a combination of good endurance, happiness, running form, rhythm, confidence, etc.
5. All components of Chi Running - Every second of my run is very techincal. There is a constant body scan / body sence almost every second of my run. Take steps to ensure that every part of my body is synchronized and is moving forward in the most efficient form. Objective is to be as effortless as possible and continue to maintain the feel good factor. This ensures minimal strain and higher possibility to cross the finish line reasonably strong
6. Breathing pattern - One of the components were I struggle and hence requires a good attention. Try my best to maintain nostril breathing with 3 In 2 Out pattern through maximum distance. Consider this requires more of a mental focus rather than a natural effort
7. Being positive & smiling - Keep thanking the almighty, friends, family, well wishers for the positive energies and the fun times ahead. Focus is primarily on all thats going good and keep up with the feel good factor. With so much of cheer and celebration around, and with everything going good, its only getting better and better
8. Gather energy through every possible opportunity - Positivity and feel good factor is a good source of energy. Every cheer & smile by the viewers, volunteers and spectators is a source of energy. Strong runners ahead is also a source of energy and keeps us well focused
9. Focus - The primary Focus is on maintaining the strong pace as per target plans and keep going strong and relaxed. There would be many challenging factors to distract, but none to be a reason for change in focus. Self visualization point of view, running strong, maintaining great form, being relaxed keeps us in the nice zone
10. Body scan / Body sense – Similar to pt 5, continuous evaluation of the running form and comfort levels. Being efficient and relaxed from head to toes and maintaining the best possible form. Personally believe that relaxation (especially when drained out) let's us run easy and be in a reasonably comfortable zone
The pic below was clicked at Tata Mumbai Marathon 2018 at around the 38th km where I finished in sub 3hrs. Like the calm and focus.
Please be aware that the objective here is to perform to the best of personal capabilities and not to compete with other runners around you or to win a position in the Podium.
1. Winning attitude – After months of training, the opportunity to perform is now. Give in best capable that’s physically and mentally possible to achieve plans and targets. Effort levels put into a race vary based on the event I am participating in, hence put in my 100% focus in around 2 races in a year
2. Always start by thanking the almighty for the opportunity to experience the miraculous event. Personally consider the entire route as a temple, where we are the blessed ones to get to participate in the event that challenges you to the best
3. Getting into a Rhythm - The initial couple of kms is a bit of a struggle to get warmed up and settle at a perfect rhythm almost similar to a meditation. Critical to get into an ideal pace based on past experience, current training and target pace. Effort levels gets to a minimal once in an ideal rhythm
4. Being relaxed & running effortless - This is one of the most critical aspect during every race. Personally find this easier in a Full Marathon event rather than a 10k or shorter distances where intensity is significantly higher. Effortless running is almost similar to be in a meditation state where there is a feeling of almost no fuel being burnt even while running in at a strong pace. Not sure how this state of mind comes, but assume with a combination of good endurance, happiness, running form, rhythm, confidence, etc.
5. All components of Chi Running - Every second of my run is very techincal. There is a constant body scan / body sence almost every second of my run. Take steps to ensure that every part of my body is synchronized and is moving forward in the most efficient form. Objective is to be as effortless as possible and continue to maintain the feel good factor. This ensures minimal strain and higher possibility to cross the finish line reasonably strong
6. Breathing pattern - One of the components were I struggle and hence requires a good attention. Try my best to maintain nostril breathing with 3 In 2 Out pattern through maximum distance. Consider this requires more of a mental focus rather than a natural effort
7. Being positive & smiling - Keep thanking the almighty, friends, family, well wishers for the positive energies and the fun times ahead. Focus is primarily on all thats going good and keep up with the feel good factor. With so much of cheer and celebration around, and with everything going good, its only getting better and better
8. Gather energy through every possible opportunity - Positivity and feel good factor is a good source of energy. Every cheer & smile by the viewers, volunteers and spectators is a source of energy. Strong runners ahead is also a source of energy and keeps us well focused
9. Focus - The primary Focus is on maintaining the strong pace as per target plans and keep going strong and relaxed. There would be many challenging factors to distract, but none to be a reason for change in focus. Self visualization point of view, running strong, maintaining great form, being relaxed keeps us in the nice zone
10. Body scan / Body sense – Similar to pt 5, continuous evaluation of the running form and comfort levels. Being efficient and relaxed from head to toes and maintaining the best possible form. Personally believe that relaxation (especially when drained out) let's us run easy and be in a reasonably comfortable zone
The pic below was clicked at Tata Mumbai Marathon 2018 at around the 38th km where I finished in sub 3hrs. Like the calm and focus.
