DramaK
·
2 weeks ago
·
10 replies
·
154
If you’ve run long distances, you probably are strong both body and mind. But when you talk to people who don’t run, do you look at them and tell them they need to improve their body, their mind or even both?
Are some people just never cut out for running long distances?
I don’t think everyone needs to run long distances to prove they’re physically or mentally strong. Some people naturally enjoy running, while others prefer different activities. Almost anyone can build endurance with practice, but not everyone has to become a long-distance runner to be fit or mentally strong.
If you’ve run long distances, you probably are strong both body and mind. But when you talk to people who don’t run, do you look at them and tell them they need to improve their body, their mind or even both?
Are some people just never cut out for running long distances?
It was both for me.
Doing the 50K last August was both a physical endeavor and a mental endeavor.
During the last half, I was in pain, stiffening up, and depleted. Had I not trained, I don’t think I could have continued.
But I also had to wrap my mind around having 20 miles left, 10 miles left, and even 3 miles left.
I worked out my body and my mind.
Running a long distance requires both mental strength and physical strength. To be honest, some people are just not built for it. They can't run a long distance.
To go long distance, it needs both the body and mind. If your mind is not strong enough, your body will give up before you get to the stoppage line. As a matter of fact, you need mental toughness more than your physical strength.
Without a body—no matter how strong your mind may be—you cannot do it; and without a mind—no matter how strong your body may be—you also cannot do it. It absolutely requires a 50-50 balance between mind and body; at least, that has been my experience.
If you are looking at running a long distance, I would say that both body and mind are very important. You are not going to be able to run a long distance if your body is not ready, or if your body does not have the strength to push for that distance.
The same goes for mind; if you do not have the mindset to push yourself to run long distance, you will soon give up.
Both work hand in hand; you could have the mindset but not the body strength to run a long distance, and you could have the body strength but not the mindset.
On Oct 26, 2026, Shortie said:
If you are looking at running a long distance, I would say that both body and mind are very important. You are not going to be able to run a long distance if your body is not ready, or if your body does not have the strength to push for that distance.
The same goes for mind; if you do not have the mindset to push yourself to run long distance, you will soon give up.
Both work hand in hand; you could have the mindset but not the body strength to run a long distance, and you could have the body strength but not the mindset.
Sure; besides, since it’s a long-distance run, there’s likely nothing to see or distract you—just a long road ahead. In those moments, it’s just you—your body and your mind—and nothing else. You’ll need to focus your thoughts on something else while you run, and at the same time, you have to avoid dwelling on the fatigue and tiredness that inevitably set in as the distance adds up. At least, that’s what I do: I simply ignore any feelings of fatigue or exhaustion and focus on keeping the run going—almost on autopilot—while I think about something else.
Any run at all needs the both. The long distance even needs more of it. To succeed with it you need to focus and reduce distractions. So the best bet is to Inculcate discipline to help you train both the body and mind.
I think it depends on why you are having that conversation with someone, if they want to start running and don’t know where to start, I think the best thing to do is to tell them to lace up some trainers and put one foot in front of the other, the body and the mind will begin to adapt.
I think the body is the part they should concentrate on as most people underestimate their physical ability as well as what their mind is capable of, but the physical improvements are the ones that are most tangible and will motivate people to continue pushing and once the body goes, the mind will follow, and when the running gets tough, the mind shows what it’s really capable of!
On Oct 29, 2026, Augusta said:
Any run at all needs the both. The long distance even needs more of it. To succeed with it you need to focus and reduce distractions. So the best bet is to Inculcate discipline to help you train both the body and mind.
Exactly—I feel the same way. You might be in peak physical condition and able to run long distances with ease, but if you lack a strong mind, any long run will be an incredibly painful ordeal. You need to be able to control your mind to endure for as long as it takes to reach the finish line.
Trail Running Forum