Running Psychology -- A Positive Attitude is Essential for Runners

Running psychology - what do you think about while running? What your mind does while you are running is equally if not more important than what your body is doing. Read on to discover why and how the psychology of running plays such a big role in running results.

Having positive, beneficial thoughts will create better results than negative, self-defeating thoughts. So why not make life and your running easier by choosing healthy, uplifting positive thoughts while running?


There is a great deal of scientific evidence to support the effects of positive versus negative thoughts on sports performances. As runners we really don't need the evidence as we have all experienced good runs and bad runs.  

If we can remember our thoughts during the good runs, we know that they were upbeat, encouraging and positive thoughts.  On the other hand, the bad runs were filled with harmful, pessimistic self-talk.  We do it to ourselves, but the good news is - we CAN control our thoughts.  It just takes planning and practice and studies show that positive self-talk improves endurance performance.

Thoughts do Count...
Especially in Running Psychology

Running Psychology

We put a lot of time and effort into our training and running, but do we put any effort into preparing our mind for running? We need to have a plan for what we are going to think about. We need to be prepared to switch off  self-defeating thoughts before they take over. Visualization techniques can be very helpful.

Trying to fight the negative thoughts doesn't work as it only gives them more focus. They need to be quickly replaced with positive thoughts or positive affirmations, i.e. I am a strong, healthy runner, I feel great, I can do this. Try the 10 Most Powerful Affirmations for Runners Program (Stop Running Pain in 21 Days).

Have a trigger ready to quickly enable you to switch to a positive frame of mind. Keep repeating the positive thought over and over until you are feeling great and your body is relaxed. It is important to know How to Relax and how to recognize when your body is not relaxed. Have a plan to make Running Psychology work for you!

Some runners really stress before a race and suffer from Performance Anxiety. It is often caused by their thoughts. The negative thoughts take over and destroy their confidence just when they need it most. 

Some runners use distraction as a method to help them relax and enjoy a run. Listening to your favorite music can be a great distraction. Counting can also help keep the mind distracted from the task at hand. When I become fatigued, I like to focus on my breathing, my form and staying relaxed while repeating positive affirmations. It really helps me! 

Plan to Feel Good

What is your running psychology? While running, pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Do you feel good? Are you enjoying your run?  

Our bodies are comprised of energy. We can choose to operate on a lower energy frequency or a higher energy frequency, depending on the quality of our thoughts. Why not tap into the higher frequency of energy and develop a consistent positive thought pattern?  

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Be thankful and filled with appreciation for your health and strength. Be thankful for the beautiful day. Be thankful for the wet, rainy day. Be thankful just for the experience. You will be amazed at how good you feel and how much easier your run will be.

The Joy of Running

Have you ever experienced a run in which you felt totally in control? You felt like you could run forever, it was effortless and time just passed so quickly.

This experience is often referred to being in a 'state of flow'. It can also be referred to as the 'runner's high'. It is the feeling of sheer pleasure that have caused so many to become addicted to running.

The more often you experience flow state, the more confident you will become in your running ability and the more you will enjoy each run. You will begin to find joy in the running experience, rather than worrying about your speed or performance. Although the strange thing is that you will probably begin to notice an improvement in your running performance.

Positive thinking and positive energy will help you experience the flow state more often. You control your thoughts so you can control your running. Put Running Psychology to work for you - plan your thoughts and plan to love running even more.

You may also be interested in the following articles:

Race Visualization Exercise

How to Overcome Tiredness While Running

Become a Happy Runner and Run Injury Free!

A Rude Affirmation for Running that Works!

Give Yourself the Gift of Runners High

Can Fear Cause Running Injuries?

Why Do Affirmations Work for Some and Not for Others?

How to Stay Motivated for Running 

Relaxation Exercises for Runners

Visualization Methods


Return to Running Injury Free



FTC Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying  purchases.
Learn more.

FB Comments
FB Comments

NEW FEATURE - DISQUS COMMENTS!

Be the first to comment.
Login using Facebook, Twitter, Google or Disqus.

Loading Comments
#disqus_thread { min-height: 200px; }

Recent Articles

  1. 5 Ways Mindfulness Can Enhance Your Running

    Aug 25, 23 10:31 AM

    Enhance Your Running

    Discover how mindfulness can enhance your running experience. Elevate your focus and running performance with this transformative technique.

    Read More

  2. How to Enjoy Runner's High More Often

    Jul 16, 23 10:12 AM

    Enjoy Runners High More Often

    Unlock the secret to experiencing runners high more often with our tips. Elevate your runs to new heights and embrace the joy of running

    Read More

  3. How to Change Limiting Beliefs

    Jun 28, 23 12:47 PM

    Change Limiting Beliefs

    Do you have a limiting belief that is contributing to your running injuries and preventing you from achieving your full potential?

    Read More

  4. Running with the Hash House Harriers

    Jun 05, 23 08:13 AM

    Hash House Harriers

    If you have never trying running with the Hash House Harriers, you could really be missing out on a great adventure!

    Read More

  5. Second toes black nail

    May 09, 23 10:58 AM

    I would appreciate any idea or tip(s) so as to overcome second toe black nails on my right and left foot under certain circumstances. Given the following:

    Read More

  6. A Common Barefoot Running Injury

    May 01, 23 02:20 PM

    Common Barefoot Running Injury

    This common barefoot running injury can be avoided when you know the cause and how to prevent it. And I know this from experience!

    Read More

  7. How to Overcome Race Performance Anxiety

    Apr 14, 23 01:27 PM

    Race Performance Anxiety

    How does race performance anxiety affect you? Are you feeling excited and looking forward to the race you’ve been training for, or do you just wish it was over?

    Read More

  8. Where to run in Hurghada, Egypt!

    Apr 04, 23 06:14 AM

    Running in Hurghada

    Running in a new area is both exciting and a little scary. What will I see during this run? What will I discover? Hurghada kindly provided a few surprises and a hidden 'trail'!

    Read More

  9. The Best Way to Carry Your Phone While Running!

    Mar 21, 23 11:51 AM

    Phone Holder for Running

    Do you wish there was a simpler, more discreet way to carry even your large phone while running? Are you frustrated with phone carriers for runners that are bulky and uncomfortable?

    Read More

  10. The Link Between Nutrition and Exercise Performance: Healthy Habits for Runners

    Mar 08, 23 08:07 AM

    Nutrition and Exercise

    A nutritionally balanced body is essential to a runner’s health and performance. Enhance your overall performance with these healthy habits to support the physical pressures experienced during runnin…

    Read More