Fitness

How can I keep going for longer?

When I’m running I find that I give up before I’ve hit physical exhaustion. What mental tactics can I use to keep going?
Michael Christie, Northern Ireland

Matt Hart replies: Think about the fruits of your labour rather than the process. View the pain as developmental and positive rather than negative and something to avoid. Here are a few inspirational phrases, mainly from Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor: pain is your friend; pain is fear leaving your body; what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger; nobody ever died of tired legs. Repeat these phrases to yourself next time you feel like giving in, and bear in mind that quitting a session before the end doesn’t let you off the hook because you’ll only have to do it again.