Do You Want To Run Like a Gazelle?
The only motivation a gazelle knows is fear. His reason to run is simply to stay ahead of the competition (The one with the big teeth). If there is no competition then there is no fear and if there is no fear then there is no reason to run.
Does this sound like a desirable situation? Running with fear will definitely get your adrenalin pumping and will probably get you to the finish line but is it good for your performance? Fear makes us tense, fear makes us stressed and fear clouds our judgment. Our thinking moves from the controlled deliberate cerebral thinking to unconscious primitive limbic thinking. We are no longer able to control our bodies but they control us instead. Instead of being able to quietly calmly listen to our bodies they run on without us. Instead of being able to retain our form we lose it in a flail of arms and legs. Our heart races, our mind panics, we miss a drink station and our race plan falls to bits.
Running like a gazelle, seems like a natural way to run fast but it isn't the best way to optimize your performance. If you run in fear, you are ripping yourself off.
How much better to run like a self motivated animal. One who runs for his own benefit. One who is internally motivated and races just for the fun of it. If we are able to run for ourselves, simply for the benefits that we feel then we are running more like monkeys. We can blast through the forests, barely touching the ground, screaming with excitement as we really experience going fast under our own steam.
Running monkeys are the perfect example of the sort of running that I appreciate. Running ridiculously fast no matter what obstacle is in our way. Running fast no matter what the terrain. Running fast for nobody but ourselves. Running fast just because we can, enjoying every step of the way. Running seriously fast but not taking ourselves too serious. Running monkeys with a sense of humour.
Related Tags: motivation, running, speed, psychology, racing
Tom O'Leary is an Australian author and runner, currently living in Tsukuba Japan He recomends a carefully balanced mix of work, rest and play in order for runners to achieve their goals. If you enjoyed this article there are plenty more at http://www.runningmonkeys.com
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Choosing The Right Running Shoes
If you are having difficulty with your running, or your legs seem to be aching more than usual, it c - Running Excuses - What Stopped Me From Going Running - Part 1
Running excuses part 1I woke up today and thought today I'm going to go for a run. I'm motivated but - Beginner Runners - How To Breathe Properly
One of the biggest problems for beginner runners is not knowing how to breathe properly. If you are - Cross Country Running Shoes
One of the greatest sports I can think of is cross country running. A popular sport in high school a - Marathon Training Programs
A lot of people believe that to run a marathon you need to some kind of super athlete. But with the - The Benefits Of Marathon Training For Beginners
Many people decide they want to run a marathon. It is a type of achievement that people look back on - Setting Up A Half Marathon Training Program
A half marathon training program is something that you want to setup when you have made the decision - How To Find The Best Marathon Training Schedules To Complete Your First Marathon
When you first decide to complete a marathon you need to find what marathon training schedules work - Training For A Half Marathon
Many people want to complete a marathon but some prefer to complete a half marathon first, some even - How To Create Your Own Half Marathon Training Schedule
Completing a half marathon is a great way to build fitness and have fun at the same time. It also is
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Shocking Shin Splints
Shin splints - what a descriptive phrase! It conjures up images of a shattered bone loose in your le - Simple Tips On Training For A Maraton
Running a marathon may seem daunting, but with the right training, 26.2 miles is perfectly doable. E - How to Run Faster
There is too much emphasis on running pretty nowadays. Coaches spend all of their time talking about - The Marathon Story
On a sweltering hot day in mid June the Marathon story began. A midlife crisis, heat getting to me, - 5 Things You Must Know Before Running A Marathon
1. Proper preparation prevents poor performance One of the biggest mistakes you can make before run - Marathon Running and Choosing the Right Footwear
There's a lot of hype today on the importance of quality running shoes and for good reason too if yo - American Distance Running Legends
When people prioritize sports in the United States the top three are usually football, basketball an - Winter Running: Survival of The Feet
Many dedicated runners will brave the cold, damp air and dark, slick streets as winter sets in. Runn - Selecting the Right Running Shoe
When buying running shoes there are literally hundreds of shoes to choose from. Running shoes are us - Increase Endurance with Carbs and Fats
A study from The University of Bern in Switzerland shows that a high carbohydrate, high-fat diet f
