How Do I Mentally Push Myself Harder in Cross Country Races?

Question

I run at a fast pace usually around the 5 30 pace for 3 miles last year..which puts me at a competitve spot on my HS XC team....however it seems that a lot of the time i feel that I can peak more but simply don't push myself hard enough, or I can't stay with someone faster than me to run a faster time and get a better place mostly at the big invites...any suggestions on how to mentally run harder, faster, and more consistent because I put in the work necessary to be successful, I just need the mental side

Answer 1

Hi, I run cross country so I know exactly what you mean. Your mind is getting in the way even though you know your body can go faster, run harder... etc. Sometimes it may work if you just run against yourself- for time, and to just use the other runners as a pacer or stand in type thing. Try keeping a really pumped up song in your head- mine was/is Stronger by Kanye West or Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas. I can't tell your mind what to think, but you need to have your mind trust that your body can really push itself at races. The huge meets are killer- they really mess you up, but its important to stay focused and realize that you can push yourself harder than your mind thinks you can (kind of confusing- but once you mind can come to terms with your body's limits then you should be fine).  I really hope this helps. Good luck in you season.

Answer 2

ya i know what you mean..... i run xc to and i always felt the need to push myself harder. what i do is i start yelling at myself in my head... i say stuff like ur a lazy pig and u runn soo slow, ect. and some how that wroks, i seem to run harder. so pretty much put yourself down lol

Answer 3

I tell myself that if I get a certain time or whatever, some problem in my life will go away.

Answer 4

put in your mind that you will win 1 000 000 dollars !

Answer 5

Hi Have you heard of its not how fast you run but how fast for how long-- you need endurance even in shorter races so plenty of LSD   early before the sprint work  I get my mind talking to my body and legs;;  like my legs say " I cant take this  ;quads are really hurting" and mind says "of corse you can--not far to go;just to the next corner"..Then when you get there say tjhe same again Focus on the shorter  distance not the whole lenght

Answer 6

I usually pretend that I have a fishing pole and has I pass people I'm catching a "fish". It sounds stupid but it works pretty well. Also I usually try to make deals with my parents where if I run a certain time, then they will buy me something I want or etc.

Answer 7

get a song with a quick steady beat in your head and your feet will move depending on how fast the song is

sounds too stupid to work but it does