From Runner to Ultra Runner
Being an ultra runner, a runner that is, that goes well beyond the marathon, is first of all a matter of head .
Because without the right mindset , without the correct mental approach and the right motivation, we will not be able to face physical preparation with all the difficulties and the effort it carries with itself.
There are several tools that can help us make the jump from runner to ultra runner, one of these comes from NLP (neuro linguistic programming): logical levels .
In a nutshell, these are the levels on which we organize our thoughts:
- Spirit
- Identity
- Values and beliefs
- Capacity
- Behavior
- Environment
Generally the runner stops at the first levels : it goes to park 2 or 3 times a week (environmental level) to run and train (level of behaviors) and consequently develop good resistance and physical form (level of skills).
The ultra runner tends to go further, and arrives at the "superior" levels : it develops values and reinforcement of the beliefs that help him to go a little further. Builds one's identity considering what is able to do. Associates what it does for a purpose (no, the capital letter is not a mistake ...) that goes beyond itself.
The alignment of logical levels is an extremely powerful and very useful activity for finding its purpose . It is an operation that, done alone, is quite complex and is not very well, I recommend that you do it with a good coach. In any case, I invite you to answer these questions, I am certainly an excellent start and, I am sure, a source of interesting ideas for your reflection:
What values could help you push you a little further?
What beliefs do you need to overcome your limit?
Who are you when you run?
Run only for yourself or even for something else or someone else?
Who could you inspire showing that you are able to go further?
Being an ultra runner means facing the challenges with determination and awareness, even the challenges that we are called to face our daily lives every day .
