By Wellness Educator and Endurance Coach Nadia Ruiz

The time has arrived to test yourself either at a new distance or pace—or perhaps you’re returning after a long hiatus and this is your comeback!

In any scenario, we are often filled with emotions making us question our ability to follow through. Or, we may be balancing so much in our lives that it may make us doubt what we truly are capable of.

The mental training to follow through with a new goal is as important as the actual physical training.

Here are some quick tips to help you execute and follow through with your goals.

  1. Revisit the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of this journey. Reminding ourselves of the reason why we started this journey helps us overcome the setbacks, challenges, and difficulties ahead. That reason is why we are showing up for ourselves and for others.
  2. Review your training log to see how far you have come. It is easy to fall into negative thoughts or self-doubt; however, when you take the time to look back how many miles you have completed, how many weeks you have committed, how much awareness you have increased towards health, wellness, and the cause, it reminds us that the journey itself has been rewarding.
  3. Visualize your race. Your mind is your “mental muscle.” The more we visualize a positive outcome, the higher likelihood we will achieve our desired outcome. Take a moment at the start or end of your day in a quiet space to visualize yourself running your race from start to finish – the perfect race for you. Do this a few times before your race. It begins in believing in yourself.
  4. Do a practice test run. Practice a short version of your race a few days prior. Practice what you will wear, from clothing to shoes. Practice what you will eat the night before, the morning of, and during the race. Visualize your positive race strategy during this practice test run. This practice will help ease anxiousness or nervousness that may build as we get closer to the race date.
  5. Accept the gift. It is a gift to walk, run, and move. No matter what the outcome, we made the commitment to show up for ourselves on this journey by setting a goal, remaining committed through struggles and balancing of life, and we have the gift of mobility. Celebrate and know you are doing something amazing for yourself and for others.

The mental training to follow through with a new goal is as important as the actual physical training.

Read more about how to come back from setbacks here.

If you would like to learn more about my journey, you can listen to my podcast interview here.

For past training tips, visit the training tips page.

As always, be sure to follow your local, state, and national safety guidelines. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning or changing any new diet or exercise program.