What we say to ourselves matters. What we say outloud in the comapny of others matters as well. I hear "loud" negative self talk all the time at races. People expressing discouragment at their discomfort or towards an approaching hill. This not only effects their race but it plants a seed of negativity within their fellow runners. I don't deny pain nor discomfort during a race - a hill is going to hurt while racing up it - but I don't want to make it any harder on myself and certainly not harder on others (even if we're racing) Pain is fleeting - ok - sometimes it can last 26.2 miles or longer - but it's still fleeting. By giving in to negative self talk we actually decrease our performance and increase our discomfort level. Except that this may hurt, concentrate on form, smile if you're able, and get it done. And if at all possible - offer some encouragement to those around you.
Just a thought.
Eric
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