Jenn Walton Shifted Her Mental Mindset and Got a Big Return

Today Jenn Walton is back for a second time after a PR filled year.

Jenn Walton Post Manitoba Marathon

As each new year approaches runners are commonly focusing on new goals to work towards and Jenn is no different.

Her goal for 2017 was to do everything she could to qualify for Boston.

What started as a singular goal turned into so much more when she finally took the pressure off.

BQ or Bust

Working towards a Boston Qualifier was Jenn’s main goal, but she wasn’t confident she could do it.

Over the course of the year she shaved 8 minutes off her marathon time to eventually earn that BQ.

It did not come easy and she learned some mental techniques along the way from a sports psychologist.

Before obtaining that elusive qualifying time, she came up short at the Manitoba Marathon  a few months prior.

The difference in those few months between hitting her goal and narrowly missing was due to a mental reset.

Jenn Walton, Finishing Hamilton Screaming “Boston!”

This Episode is Sponsored by: Health IQ

The Missing Puzzle Piece was Mental

Getting connected with a sports psychologist was the missing piece to Jenn reaching her goal.

The first words she heard from the psychologist may come as a shock, but “Let Boston go,” was possibly the best-unexpected advice she had received.

Having one measure of success was a set up for failure and added unneeded pressure.

Among the mental tips that she received were:

• Process vs. Outcome: Focus on the process and the outcome will take care of itself
• Control what you can control
• Don’t put pressure on the outcome
• Run the mile you’re in and stay present

Designated Worry Time

Getting nervous and worrying about a race is normal and cannot be avoided.

Jenn’s sports psychologist suggested getting nervous sooner.

• Set a timer every day for 20 minutes and make that the designated worry time.
• Write down what your worries are
• The process will make it apparent that most worries are either out of your control or easily fixable.

Reframing language can take the pressure off.

In the late miles of a marathon, instead of, “dropping the hammer,” focus on being the best runner YOU can be.

The mental aspect of running can be learned and implemented with the right tools.

Jenn’s Partner, Kevin, Finishing His First Half at WDW

Also Mentioned in this Episode:

• Hamilton Marathon
• “How Bad Do You Want it?” By: Matt Fitzgerald on Amazon
• Get the book for free on Audible
• Jenn Walton Episode 327

Continue following Jenn’s journey by connecting with her on Twitter

Letting Boston go. Those 3 words started a mental shift that played a large part Jenn Walton earning her elusive BQ. #runchat Click To Tweet

As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!

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