“Learn about the benefits of mindfulness in daily life”
The New York City Marathon is an iconic race that covers a distance of 26.2 miles. However, according to renowned coach Joe Vigil, the most crucial distance in a marathon is the “nine inches above the shoulders.” This emphasizes the importance of mental strength in determining the outcome of the race.
Elite runner Dakotah Lindwurm, who finished 12th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, acknowledges that mental fortitude plays a significant role in marathon performance. While physical preparation is essential, the mind often serves as the limiting factor in a runner’s performance.
When it comes to thoughts during a marathon, both elite and everyday runners experience a mix of focused concentration and wandering minds. Brendan Leonard, a 45-year-old writer and illustrator, shared that his thoughts during a race range from his physical sensations to strategic decisions like whether to pass another runner. He also contemplates various activities he plans to do once the race is over.
As approximately 50,000 runners gear up for the New York City Marathon, their thoughts may vary widely. From focusing on their pace and form to contemplating personal goals and distractions along the course, each runner’s mental journey during the race is unique.
Source: The NY Times
