The Mental Benefits of Running, plus Races to Test your Fortitude

As summer rages on, we hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying what the season offers: clear trails, community events, and plenty of vitamin D. The mental benefits of running, or any sport, are well advertised and worth getting out the door for, even with unmotivating heat or life distractions. But the mental-physical effects work the other way too. If you’re looking for performance rewards, consider some psychological shifts and daily mental practices to boost your running. This week, we’ve rounded up some interesting thoughts on mind-body connection in sport.

Upcoming races to test your mental fortitude:

August 22 Post Canyon Trail Half Marathon Hood River, OR
August 29 Plutonium Man Sprint & Olympic Triathlon Richland, WA
September 7 Mall 2 Mall Quarter Marathon Eugene, OR
September 12 Bachelor Ascent Bend, OR
September 13 Mt Spokane 25K, 10k & 5K Trail Run Spokane, WA

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“Walk your own path” but also remember you’re not alone: We asked 13 athletes for the best mental advice they’ve ever received

Feel like your endurance sport keeps you focused and calm? This study finds “...something about distance and ultrarunning causes people with ADHD to gravitate towards the sport.” New Research: Distance Runners Are Three Times More Likely to Show ADHD Traits

This podcast discussion from All Things Endurance covers pre-race anxiety, social media pressure, and the comparison trap we all fall for.
Performance Psychology Strategies for Endurance Athletes with Guest Dr. Justin Ross Psy.D

Our favorite gear: The Hyperice Venom Go-Pack is Paul’s daily companion with his morning cup of joe. The small-size patches, paired with a lightweight battery pack, can be applied to any sore muscle, delivering heat and vibration to ease tension, hands-free. It’s great for warming up stiff muscles before activity, like Paul’s annoyingly tight lower back.