," says Lewis, "using association during the more crucial sections of a race and dissociation at times where you can give yourself a break from the tough mental demands – associating for long periods simply isn't possible, as the mind wanders." Pre-race
their running to the next level."PRE-STARTIt's now that the pre-race nerves kick in. But it's not just your incessant back-and-forth pacing that's sapping vital energy stores – sizing up the competition and playing your mile-by-mile strategy on a mental loop can
race. "Consistency and knowing what works for you is key," he says.BAD HABIT: You never stretch It’s hard to squeeze in runs some days, never mind stretching. But tight muscles can contribute to shin splints, plantar fasciitis and muscle pulls, which
before and after a two-hour run. Comparing the pre- and post-run scans, they found evidence of more opiate binding of the happy hormone in the frontal and limbic regions of the brain, areas known to be involved in emotional processing and stress. "There
