bodywatch.ie A little knowledge often precedes a perilous path. Nonetheless, wise counsel from the mouths of the experienced, however brief, may well be the exception when it comes to avoiding the omnipresent malediction among marathon runners which perhaps is better known as ‘hitting the wall’.
Forewarned is forearmed and given the growing interest in this phenomenon which affects approximately 52% of first-time marathon runners during a marathon, one may be able to decrease the risk by following a few notable and celebrated strategies. Fatigue, loss of concentration, dehydration, heavy limbs, lack of motivation, drawing of attention to survival tactics, compromised running form, confusion, loss of pace, nausea, muscle cramping….. The deluge of psychological and physiological characteristics associated with ‘hitting the wall’ is distinctly comprehensive.
Reports regarding the incidence of hitting the wall during any given marathon vary but from the studies reviewed it would appear that ‘hitting the wall’ affects more males than females and, obvious though it may seem, if you have neglected to put in the miles in training each week you are more likely to ‘hit the wall’ during the marathon. The consensus in the literature seems to be that ‘hitting the wall’ is more likely between miles 18 and 21 with a recent study indicating a greater incidence of this psychological and physiological abstraction occurring at a peak at mile 21. The fact that concentration is lost and focus is directed to ‘surviving’ at the juncture where one ‘hits the wall’ is indicative of an area where dissociative and other psychological strategies could be employed effectively to prevent and possibly reverse other idiosyncrasies from following. Another interesting aspect to evolve in the literature is the notion that those who believe they are more likely to ‘hit the wall’ are indeed actually more likely to do just that. If ever an attestation for the power of positive thinking were needed science has now provided unequivocal proof for marathon runners.
To surmise, one would be wise to include a few long runs over 20 miles prior to marathon day, learn the relevant psychological skills and maintain cogitative, positive enthusiasm in the belief that one will complete the marathon easily and effortlessly. Pragmatic deduction would therefore indicate that preparation of the physical and the psychological well in advance of the marathon may well help to mute the simmering imprecations and the corporeal onslaught threatening to explode between miles 18 and 21. Happy Running!
© Bodywatch Ltd. 2011
Learn to train your mind and the minds of others with mind training certified hypnosis programmes @ www.bodywatch.ie
Forewarned is forearmed and given the growing interest in this phenomenon which affects approximately 52% of first-time marathon runners during a marathon, one may be able to decrease the risk by following a few notable and celebrated strategies. Fatigue, loss of concentration, dehydration, heavy limbs, lack of motivation, drawing of attention to survival tactics, compromised running form, confusion, loss of pace, nausea, muscle cramping….. The deluge of psychological and physiological characteristics associated with ‘hitting the wall’ is distinctly comprehensive.
Reports regarding the incidence of hitting the wall during any given marathon vary but from the studies reviewed it would appear that ‘hitting the wall’ affects more males than females and, obvious though it may seem, if you have neglected to put in the miles in training each week you are more likely to ‘hit the wall’ during the marathon. The consensus in the literature seems to be that ‘hitting the wall’ is more likely between miles 18 and 21 with a recent study indicating a greater incidence of this psychological and physiological abstraction occurring at a peak at mile 21. The fact that concentration is lost and focus is directed to ‘surviving’ at the juncture where one ‘hits the wall’ is indicative of an area where dissociative and other psychological strategies could be employed effectively to prevent and possibly reverse other idiosyncrasies from following. Another interesting aspect to evolve in the literature is the notion that those who believe they are more likely to ‘hit the wall’ are indeed actually more likely to do just that. If ever an attestation for the power of positive thinking were needed science has now provided unequivocal proof for marathon runners.
To surmise, one would be wise to include a few long runs over 20 miles prior to marathon day, learn the relevant psychological skills and maintain cogitative, positive enthusiasm in the belief that one will complete the marathon easily and effortlessly. Pragmatic deduction would therefore indicate that preparation of the physical and the psychological well in advance of the marathon may well help to mute the simmering imprecations and the corporeal onslaught threatening to explode between miles 18 and 21. Happy Running!
© Bodywatch Ltd. 2011
Learn to train your mind and the minds of others with mind training certified hypnosis programmes @ www.bodywatch.ie
