Positive self talk

In many ways, you dictate your own outcomes by the mindset you adopt.  If you think you can't do it then guess what, you are probably right as you have preprogrammed failure into your head.  Words like "try" really don't do you any favours e.g. I'll "try" and get a sub 3hr 45 marathon or a 22 min 5km.  Your "self talk" is vitally important as it sets the expectation from which everything else follows.  If you "try" to beat that target, when you are at a training session 6 months out from the event then you can take a more relaxed approach and maybe only do 7 hill reps rather than 10 because it's ok the event isn't for six months.  That is the effect the word "try" has on your training which will then be replicated on your event because cut that corner once, and you'll repeat that behaviour again.
So every session counts and you need to make the most of them even if things don't go to plan.
The other day I was running through the leaves in the "Big Wood" when I tripped on a hidden branch and took a tumble.  I ended up with a mouth full of moss, it could have been worse, and my arse sticking up in the air - I had to laugh and fortunately nobody was around to see me.  I brushed myself down and got my breath back then walked the next section as my HR was on the max target but on the downhill it suddenly started increasing, while I was walking FFS!  I decided to ignore the disappointment of the HR reading and just run at a slower pace and enjoy the rest of the run.  The alternative was to give up which of course would have been the worst outcome.
Low and behold the next day I ran in the "Big Wood" again and my HR was well within the target range so I was very happy.  Yes the HR is frustrating but I believe what I'm being told to do by my coach Genevieve.  She has coached me for long enough that she knows how my body will respond and with that knowledge I can face the challenges with a positive frame of mind backed up with the all important positive self talk.  So the next time you hear yourself say "I'll give that a try" please reframe it to allow your mind to process the challenge from the beginning in a positive way.  Go smash those goals and get ready for 2022 which is going to be an amazing year.