5 Attributes All Top Marathon Winners have in Common

Running a marathon might be a part of your life goals or your 2020/21 bucket list. Aside from its accomplishing nature, running has a lot of personal and social benefits. It improves your health and self-confidence, keeps your body toned, as well as heightens your senses. Running a marathon also helps build friendships with people who have the same aspirations as you. It really helps in forming and maintaining a support group as well.

Whether you are new to the running scene or have been training for a long time, chances are you have thought of being a marathon champion.

Winners think and do differently. You will read a lot of books and articles about them–what they think, what they do, and what sets them apart from the rest. The bottom line of most of these is the belief that winners are made and not born. The question is, what does it take to be one? People have their qualities, abilities, and strengths. The difference lies in what one makes of them.

Let us guide you through the 5 key attributes that make a marathon champion.

1. Determination

Winners are highly goal-oriented and committed to these goals. They have short-term and long-term goals that are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Plus, they are very self-aware of the differences between their current abilities and what they want to achieve. Moreover, they aim to inspire.

2. Hardworking and Self-Disciplined

Hard work is not a foreign concept to winners. According to Brigid Kosgei, the current female marathon world record holder, and Joshua Cheptegei, a long-distance runner, hard work is a big factor in their success. They take training seriously as well as follow a strict diet and running schedule.

3. Focused

Winners are not only motivated by their goals but are also focused on the process of continuous improvement. They do not let anything distract them from their goals. They keep track of their progress and reflect on this.

4. Resilience

Winners almost always risk encountering hurdles such as injuries and illnesses due to intensive training, but they do not let this get in the way. They do not stop doing what it takes to reach the finish line. The secret to this is a positive mental attitude.

Champions recognise that a negative mind only sabotages one’s growth. They have a growth mindset, which helps them strong amid hurdles. They live by this.

5. Consistency

According to Confucius, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” If you do not have either determination or discipline, you will eventually fall back. But if you stay true to your goals, constantly get things done, and improve without taking shortcuts, every other attribute comes naturally.

Article contributed by Gunsmith Fitness retailer of gym equipment and apparel