A more experienced runner who wants to run faster will use the technique of association during the process of running. This is one of the best running tips that increases focus on form, breathing, and feelings during running. It involves monitoring and paying close attention to signals from every part of your body, which in turn you can use to run faster and harder.
However, association is not the best approach for beginning runners, according to coach David Virtue. When beginning runners use association, it is common for them to experience thoughts that urge them to stop running because it hurts and it’s no fun. It draws focus away from positive reinforcement towards reasons why they can’t succeed at running. If they use association too much when they run, they pay too much attention on negative input and feelings – such as slowness, difficult breathing, or pain in the feet.
In order to succeed in gaining more running experience, beginning runners need to disassociate, which means to use the mind to override negative input and concentrate on more positive thoughts instead.
Disassociation is a most effective technique for motivating beginner runners. To practice disassociation while you are running, imagine that everything you see and hear passing by is a colorful DVD that you are watching at home. Pay attention to the appealing sights and sounds around you – beautiful flowers, interesting cars and buildings, pleasant landscapes – and let these images flow through your mind. If you are out running with other people, you can also mentally focus on the other runners, noticing their clothes or shoes or running styles.
The technique of disassociation is one of the best running tips for beginners to help open up your mind to the environment around you. It helps beginning runners to focus less on the negative aspects they are experiencing and to focus on more pleasant aspects. Disassociation also works wonderfully for more experienced runners who want to slow down, relax, and keep running for a longer period of time.