If you are training for big endurance events such as a half or full marathon, ultra distance or half and full Ironman events here are a few of my personal tips from over the years that have helped not only myself but the athletes I coach as well.
#1 Train alone- Long distance training and racing requires a great physical demand but also a high level of emotional and mental demand on the body. In my experience the mind typically breaks down long before the body does and once the mind goes the body is not far behind. My first tip is spend at least 50% of your training alone, especially the long training sessions. While training with groups are great motivation and fun I also find that when you start to decline mentally the group is there to pick you up and get you off the struggle bus pretty quick. This is something you will most likely not have in a race. So make sure you some of those long hard training rides, runs, swims in by yourself, so when the time comes and things get really tough and the struggle bus has the doors open to pick you up, you and you alone must work through the mental and physical pitfalls. Once you learn to do this on your own race day will be that much easier! #2 Train with Adversity- I see so many people that opt out of training in less than ideal weather. It's cold, it's hot, it's windy, it's humid. What do you think race day is going to be like? Perfect weather? Are you going to ask the race director to hold the race for an hour until it warms up and the rain stops? So they opt to skip or run inside on the treadmill. Nothing wrong with the treadmill by any means. You can get some highly customized workouts in on the treadmill and they will definitely up your mental game but you must get your body adjusted to adverse conditions and weather environments. So on race day when weather changes and adverse conditions arise you are that much more prepared to race in them and it is one less thing that you have to worry about handling mentally.
Unless it is lighting! Don't train in that shit! #3 Your Why- Why are you racing? Why did you start this journey in the first place? Some of it is to accomplish something we though was impossible and only for elite level athletes. Maybe we are doing it to change ourselves to lead a healthier lifestyle or be roll model for our children and our friends. Whatever your WHY is hold it close to your heart and mind and always remember it. It will get you though some of your toughest times so always remember your why!
-It's all about the journey!
Run course during Brazos Bend 100