Using gratitude to stay resilient

The current global pandemic has changed everything, including how we run. We can no longer run with friends, we can’t race and some people in certain countries can’t run outside at all. There are plenty of reasons to be sad, but a report in The Wall Street Journal says reminding yourself what you’re grateful for is a good way to raise your spirits. This can increase your resilience, which is not only important for your training, but for life in general. Here are a few tricks you can use to feel grateful and keep resilient in these tough times.

Focus on what you can control

Experts say to focus on what you can control rather than stewing over variables that are out of your hands. You can’t go for group runs, and that’s upsetting, but you can still run solo. You might have missed your spring marathon, but you can sign up for a virtual race instead. You still have some freedom during COVID-19.

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Think about the bad stuff

Don’t think about all the bad that’s happening right now, but try and recall bad moments from your past. As a runner, you might be able to draw on memories from bad races or times you dealt with injuries. Those times were undoubtedly tough, but they likely made you a stronger runner and person, and hopefully you’re better off now because of them. They sucked back then, but they’ll make you feel grateful for today.

Think of happy times

You don’t just want to focus on your bad memories, so throw in a few good ones, too. This will give you a boost in serotonin and you’ll be ready to conquer the day and your training.

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Look to the future

Eventually you’re going to be able to race and go for group runs again. That might still be a while away, but just remember that some of your best runs and races have yet to come.