10 lies marathon runners tell themselves
Most runners do it. It may be after 2 miles, 12 miles or 22 miles but at some point in a marathon, and often at many points, we all lie to ourselves. Through pain, tiredness and even injury we are capable of persuading ourselves to push a little bit further or harder. How else do we complete 26.2 excruciating miles?
Here are ten of the most common lies runners tell themselves:
1. I'll never do this again.
The most common lie of all, but at the time you believe it with all your heart. The pain is acute, you are running on empty, and you feel as though you will never see the finish line, why would you put yourself through this again? But you will. Two days later you'll be searching the internet for your next race.
2. It's not a blister/calf strain/pulled hamstring.
That awful feeling when a pain shoots through your leg/foot/chest. Is it a serious injury or just a niggle? Should you stop? Of course not. Convincing yourself that it will soon subside you keep pushing on regardless.
3. I'm not racing anyone else, it's just me against the marathon.
Usually used when being overtaken by an octogenarian or someone in a giant tap costume.
4. I'll push hard for one more mile then ease off.
Until the next mile when you will say the same thing. But it works!
5. I don't need the toilet.
Ah, RBS. No not the publicly owned bank from north of the border but Runners Bladder Syndrome. It doesn't matter how many times you have visited the portaloo and strained out every last drop of wee, the moment you are in the enclosure you need to go. Just watch the dozens of people lined up along the grass verge 100 metres beyond the start line. Nerves, excitement, too much Lucozade Sport (other sports drinks are available) whatever the cause if you can convince yourself to hold on it usually goes away.
6. Looking good, feeling strong.
Positive self talk is a must and this lie has kept me going through many a long run. To the spectators watching you slog past it's probably more looking knackered, feeling exhausted but you don't get a medal for crossing the line in style, you just have to cross it.
7. I'll just overtake one more person.
If you are in the fortunate position towards the end of the race of overtaking other runners it can help to pick people off one at a time. Of course you tell yourself that after the next one you'll ease off but there's always one more.
8. Pain is your friend.
Of course it isn't. Pain is awful, it hurts. But you will have a lot of it during a marathon and you have to learn to get on with it if only for the duration of the race. Embrace it, talk to it, laugh at it. It's the only way to beat it. Besides half an hour after the finish line it will be a distant memory - until the next morning!
9. I'll treat myself to.... if I finish.
The classic bribe. Always a good way to make yourself do something you don't relish. I lose track of all the things I have promised myself during a race, anything from a massage, a pint or a curry, a new pair of Asics, a holiday or a new hobby. Who cares, when you've finished you don't have to honour it but it will keep you going that little bit longer, and that may make all the difference.
10. All the pain will go away when I cross the line.
There aren't many better feelings than crossing the finish line of a marathon but if you think the pain will stop when you do you're in for a shock. I often find an intensification of the throbbing and aching in my muscles is accompanied by waves of nausea. Stopping running doesn't mean an end to the pain. That said the relief at having made it to the end is overwhelming and it can also be a very emotional experience. See number 1.
Here are ten of the most common lies runners tell themselves:
The most common lie of all, but at the time you believe it with all your heart. The pain is acute, you are running on empty, and you feel as though you will never see the finish line, why would you put yourself through this again? But you will. Two days later you'll be searching the internet for your next race.
2. It's not a blister/calf strain/pulled hamstring.
That awful feeling when a pain shoots through your leg/foot/chest. Is it a serious injury or just a niggle? Should you stop? Of course not. Convincing yourself that it will soon subside you keep pushing on regardless.
3. I'm not racing anyone else, it's just me against the marathon.
Usually used when being overtaken by an octogenarian or someone in a giant tap costume.
4. I'll push hard for one more mile then ease off.
Until the next mile when you will say the same thing. But it works!
5. I don't need the toilet.
Ah, RBS. No not the publicly owned bank from north of the border but Runners Bladder Syndrome. It doesn't matter how many times you have visited the portaloo and strained out every last drop of wee, the moment you are in the enclosure you need to go. Just watch the dozens of people lined up along the grass verge 100 metres beyond the start line. Nerves, excitement, too much Lucozade Sport (other sports drinks are available) whatever the cause if you can convince yourself to hold on it usually goes away.
6. Looking good, feeling strong.
Positive self talk is a must and this lie has kept me going through many a long run. To the spectators watching you slog past it's probably more looking knackered, feeling exhausted but you don't get a medal for crossing the line in style, you just have to cross it.
7. I'll just overtake one more person.
If you are in the fortunate position towards the end of the race of overtaking other runners it can help to pick people off one at a time. Of course you tell yourself that after the next one you'll ease off but there's always one more.
8. Pain is your friend.
Of course it isn't. Pain is awful, it hurts. But you will have a lot of it during a marathon and you have to learn to get on with it if only for the duration of the race. Embrace it, talk to it, laugh at it. It's the only way to beat it. Besides half an hour after the finish line it will be a distant memory - until the next morning!
The classic bribe. Always a good way to make yourself do something you don't relish. I lose track of all the things I have promised myself during a race, anything from a massage, a pint or a curry, a new pair of Asics, a holiday or a new hobby. Who cares, when you've finished you don't have to honour it but it will keep you going that little bit longer, and that may make all the difference.
10. All the pain will go away when I cross the line.
There aren't many better feelings than crossing the finish line of a marathon but if you think the pain will stop when you do you're in for a shock. I often find an intensification of the throbbing and aching in my muscles is accompanied by waves of nausea. Stopping running doesn't mean an end to the pain. That said the relief at having made it to the end is overwhelming and it can also be a very emotional experience. See number 1.
