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Beginner Inspiration Sports Psychology

Should I do it or not?

Who is not familiar with the inner voice that says, “I’m tired, today resting would sure be nice”? But running.COACH is telling me to do a 60 minute tempo run. The dutiful runner laces up her shoes and goes out to run the workout regardless. Few others actually listen to their bodies, lie down and take the day off. Maybe those mindful runners are thinking of Alberto Salazar, the winner of the New York City and Boston marathons in 1980, 1981, and 1982. When asked the question about the key to his success, he stated, “My problem was that I was training too hard”. Thus, he built in, on a regular basis, a complete rest day that allowed him to improve his performances.

Sometimes less is more. We should take this to heart. In particular, if it is not the ‘lazy guy’who just doesn’t want to train, but the “true” inner voice. Training and relaxation go together like the tides. Only when one has recovered from a workout, is it time for the next training session. At times this can take longer than normal. Sometimes the last workout was more stressful than usual, or that last training session just was not productive, or there was little time for sleep or rest since the last workout. Whatever the reason, it’s smart to listen to your body.

Here are my tips for you:

  • Rest and recovery is also training. Resting exclusively is not training 🙂
  • When looking at today’s workout, consider your current professional or family demands, social environment, and, above all else, your internal voice.
  • After a rest day, your motivation is usually much greater than before the rest day.
  • Exercising in an alternative sport (Biking, Swimming, Nordic Skiing) adds variety and additional motivation for running.

by Valentin Belz

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