1Every marathon runner knows that the real race begins long after the body starts to suffer.
2Around the thirty kilometre mark, many exhausted runners hit what they famously call the wall.
3At that point, your legs feel heavy, your energy disappears, and your mind begs you to stop.
4Experienced runners prepare for this moment by practising calm, positive thoughts during their longest training runs each week.
5Some repeat a short phrase, while others count their steps or focus on their breathing.
6Breaking the remaining distance into small, manageable pieces makes the whole challenge feel far less frightening.
7Crowds also play a part, because a stranger cheering your name can lift your spirits instantly.
8Sports psychologists say that mental toughness is a skill that anyone can develop with practice.
9The runners who finish are not always the fastest, but the ones who refuse to quit.
10Crossing the finish line teaches you that your determined mind is always stronger than your tired excuses.