Competitive Chatter

There is one specific area where yoga can definitely help runners - competitiveness.
Or should that read the competitive attitude and how to best handle competitive feelings...

Naturally we can all be a little competitive, whether we admit it or even realise it. The statement by a co-worker of, "Well, you are pretty competitive" shocked me one night at a work's party, where I hung on to a Bucking Bronco (of all things) for far longer than I thought possible. My ill attempt at an attention diffuser phrase had been, "Wow, didn't think I would stay on for that long"...But afterwards I realised how right they were! I thought my competiveness was pretty well in check, saved up for and spent during runs, but obviously not that night!

The key is how to tap in to innate competitiveness, and when to use it. Runners, if competing in a race, need to use the emotions that the competitive arena can induce positively and graciously. There can be many thoughts that flow through your mind: Is that person fitter than me? Have I done the right training? etc. But negative thoughts are exhausting. A still calm yoga-like mind pre-race doesn't need any energy. Save the adrenaline.

Luckily, in a yoga class, a teacher will remind us not to compare our physical postures to any other person, or body. Don't be competitive. It usually lands us in yoga-double-trouble, mentally and physically drained. Use the breath, relax, drop those shoulders, close your eyes :)

If, as runners, we can take yoga teachings with us from the mat to the road or trail, we will be in good mental shape to deal with the urgings of competitiveness. I'm not suggesting that we start running with our eyes closed but in the marathon the competition will spur me on, I'll have fun with it - the last thing you need is extra tension to add to the tiredness!

There is a great article about the mental aspects of running with marathon runner Kara Goucher in the US Runner's World this month - in the actual magazine, and also online.

I can really recommend it - LINK!