Hypnosis For Running: Training Your Mind To Maximise Your Running Performanceis an evidence based book for all distance runners from ultra-marathon runners and seasoned athletes to beginners and those competing for the first time. It offers a wide range of ways to adopt mental strategies and improve running performance.
Contained within this book is a wide array of goal setting principles and techniques, cognitive strategies, mental imagery processes and of course self-hypnosis tuition.
This work draws upon
- conventional sports psychology,
- cognitive behavioural therapy,
- rational emotive behaviour therapy
- various other approaches
combined with the author's lifetime of experience using and researching self-hypnosis.
The runner is shown how to:
- be motivated
- control arousal levels
- get in the zone
- engage in mindfulness
- gain a comprehensive insight into proven methods of running faster and better using the mind.
Here is an excerpt from the Introduction to this book by Gary Turner, Ultra-Runner and 13 time World Champion Sportsman
When the draft of Adam's book dropped through my door the timing couldn't have been better. One week before my first ultra-marathon. I eagerly turned the pages and found it a compelling read. It completely captured my attention, as I'm sure it will yours.
The information and knowledge, and the application of it, is first class. Being a fast reader I read it three times in as many days. I checked the contents, studied the steps, researched the reference material, and became a vastly better runner - just through the knowledge from the book alone.
Then the real magic happened. I started to put into practice the steps in the book. I practiced dropping myself in and out of self-hypnosis using Adam's methods. It was easy to achieve. I just followed his clear steps. From here I started to work through the book, one step at a time, carrying out all the self-hypnosis applications he lists.
My final loosening run, two days before my race, was one of my best runs ever. It just 'happened' that way. I didn't need to consciously think, I was just in a perfect state of 'flow'.
The night before my Ultra-marathon I slept in my truck in a small village nestled amongst the Brecon Beacons. The huskies snuggled in against my sleeping bag to keep me warm and I dropped into self-hypnosis one last time. I mentally rehearsed every part of the run. I went through the pre-race preparation, the terrain, and how I would easily get through every worst case situation I could think of. I mentally planned for every eventuality. I rehearsed my physical state throughout the race. I rehearsed my mental state, ensuring that I always maintained a smile especially for the tougher sections.
I was not stepping into the unknown.
I had made it known.
...............
I am an Ultra-Runner. I love the sound of that. I feel even better about it when I consider the terrain that I had covered. The Brecon Beacons are used for UK 22 Regiment SAS training for a good reason - the environment is tough!
I ran 42 miles across those mountains. This is the type of event where if your mind is not right you would not finish.
Luckily, thanks to carefully preparing and using the guidance of this book, I not only finished, I enjoyed every single step along the way - as could you by applying the knowledge in this amazing book.
