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Paula Radcliffe, a former world record marathon holder, has graciously shared her top tip to distract yourself when you’re in the ‘pain cave’ of a run. It’s a trick that many runners swear by.
After the recent success of the London and Manchester marathons, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, with hundreds of thousands already signing up for next year’s events. As a fresh wave of participants gear up to hit the roads for a year of intense training and grueling long runs, Paula Radcliffe, a seasoned runner, has some valuable advice to offer to help endure these challenging sessions.
Whether you’re tackling your first 5km or preparing for an ultra-marathon, every run can be a tough nut to crack. Keeping those legs moving when all you want to do is throw in the towel is an accomplishment in itself, regardless of your expertise level. However, when you find yourself in the “pain cave,” where mental toughness is key, small tips and tricks to keep you engaged and your mind at ease can make a world of difference.
Radcliffe, who still partakes in marathons to this day, is a legend in long-distance running, boasting three London and New York Marathon wins and a women’s world record that stood unbroken for an impressive 16 years. Now 51, she continues to compete in marathons and generously shares her top tips with fellow runners.
In a TikTok video featuring ex-McFly drummer Harry Judd, Radcliffe unveils her secret weapon: rhythm. She asks Judd if he utilizes rhythm, stating, “When I’m in my tough spots, I count in my head. It’s all about distraction, right? But by the time you figure it out, ‘oh, that’s 500 meters down now,’ it’s taken me that long to figure it out.” Judd agrees, noting that he employs a similar strategy.
Radcliffe and Judd divulge a unique mental strategy they employ to power through their runs, involving on-the-go math. “I start doing the math, even though I’ve done it 100 times, I still can’t remember it, and ‘it’s probably 3km left, that’s 400, 800, 1200, 1600, okay, that’s seven times around the track, and I don’t count the last kilometer because that’s for free,’ it’s all that kind of stuff.”
This approach seems to resonate with many runners, as evidenced by the flood of comments sharing personal tips and tricks. One runner mentions, “I count my steps. I know exactly how many steps I take per km and know how many steps for each pace as well,” while another adds that they keep their mind occupied with math: “I used to try to work out percentages of my runs while running. It certainly passed a lot of time.”
Their conversation also touches on other strategies for maintaining focus during challenging moments in a race. Tactics like identifying someone wearing distinctive clothing to use as a milestone or engaging with spectators, reading their signs, and exchanging high-fives with children were recommended.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or just starting out, finding ways to distract yourself and keep your mind engaged during those tough runs can make all the difference in your performance. So next time you find yourself in the ‘pain cave,’ remember Paula Radcliffe’s tip and give it a try. Who knows, it might just be the trick you need to push through to the finish line.
