3 Secrets to Becoming Mentally Strong for Running

Mental toughness is mandatory in running. Here's how to build it.

Mental toughness is a prized mental skill, one that allows runners to cast aside doubts and push through times of high stress. But becoming mentally strong isn't always clear cut.

In this video, Jason discusses effective ways of building mental toughness through experience. Only when runners routinely experience stress - and work through it - will they become more mentally tough.

Jason Fitzgerald is a USATF running coach, 2:39 marathoner, and the host of the award-winning Strength Running Podcast. He's the 2017 Men's Running Magazine's Influencer of the Year and his work has appeared in Runner's World, Health Magazine, The Washington Post, Lifehacker, and other major media.

[jace]

Diagnosed with Diabetes on May, 19th 2023. Immediately stopped drinking soda, started walking / jogging, quit fast food and started eating more fruit and vegetables and am down 18.6 lbs. on my 10 week anniversary. This video is giving me more motivation to live a cleaner life. Thank you!

[aubreypule]

Long distance running improves one's patience and mental strength

[MR-whwp]

A key to being mentally tough is being able to do your runs solo without other people getting you out of bed or helping you through long runs or pacing you in hard sessions

[logiconabstractions]

I like "no excuse mentality" term. I've been thinking for a while that for a while, especially running in any circumstances (comfortable or not).

[runninggirl]

Your tips are really valuable, I started taking headphones in long runnings but I removed them cause I feel they distract me from the NOW moment, when I wear them it feels like I am avoiding myself.

[jonNcollette]

Thank you for this video, I struggle with the negative voice in my head when I am training on the treadmill. I have failed my police fitness test twice due to the mental battle.. I have my third and final fitness test attempt in a few days, physically I know I am fit enough but the mental battle is hard.

[English.runner.en.Espana]

I love all your videos, this one has me pumped. I used a mantra during a negative spilt marathon and thought of you!! Cheers for all your work!

[amygray]

New to your channel and a beginner runner, I am thankful for this video. I am training for my first half marathon. I was second guessing that I could finish a distance for training. I have begun training without music or podcasts and find so much benefit be mindful and being in the moment with my training. I appreciate that you are reinforcing that strength in being in the moment. Thank you for your videos!

[SIERRATREES]

Im 61 and have had arthritic pain lately, which has been very worrying, I went for a run today, a long one, and pushed through the pain and got it done in good time. The pain went away, and the dopamine seemed to make it better. So running at the moment is my medicine, As he says, even if its slow, your still going to get it done. No music, no props, just me facing up to it.

[toniviudez]

The most motivating video you have made. I agree 💯, you can be physically perfect but if your mind is not completely in focused on what you’re doing you never will achieve your goals and overall running. Thanks a lot for all your videos and specially this one.

[davidboyce]

Embrace the suck has been my mantra lately with running in the poor conditions this time of year.

[eriktred]

Most motivating running video I’ve seen in ages.

[christy]

One of your best yet! Thank you for this one. My hack- no music/podcasts/audiobooks during the taper… then jam out with my favorite playlist on race day.

[deshkanagrikhoon]

He says something's which I have heard by other coaches also but somehow he is much more believable and very motivating .

[balamina]

Very helpful Jason! Loved the tips! definitely I'll use them in my next training session! God bless and good luck!

[rosenkoychev]

I have a phrase that makes me tougher. It goes like " Gonna fly now..."

[DanBanan]

Wow, you really meant what you said in this video dude.

[larsjensen]

I love the long runs, because time disappears... Therefor I don't need "mental toughness"

[elitetopia]

How do you know if you’re overtraining?

[DaveIrish]

Are you using your mind or are you going to let your mind use you?