My run home from work today was a mental battle. It was hot, sunny and so humid it felt like running through honey. My eczema was driving me up the wall again and the itch progressed to stinging pain all over my arms, legs and torso.Last night, I had almost no sleep because of the skin condition. So propelling myself to run uphill with a backpack after a long day at work took some creative motivational techniques.
When I'm feeling sluggish, I like to use visualization techniques to get me through the rough patches. They really work. Here's how to do it:
1) Think of a big race that makes you feel inspired. For me today, this was the Athens Olympic marathon, won by Stefano Baldini of Italy.
2) Imagine yourself as a lead, elite running machine, even if you actually feel like a tub-a-lub slug.
3) Now pick a point partway through your race of choice and picture yourself running alongside the front-runners.
4) Sound out the play-by-play TV announcer in your head. "...and Michal Kapral of Canada has joined Keflezghi at the front. Kapral is on pace for a personal best, even if this searing Greek heat!"
5) Go through the rest of the race and visualize yourself pulling away from the leader at the end. "Kapral's gong to take the gold! Check out the look of determination on that Canuck's face!"
6) You win the gold medal. You feel great. And you got through a tough training run.
