WEEKS 5-8
Amplify
1. What you’ll be doing
In this phase you will learn and apply the most important mental skills for helpful self-talk. You will get to know your inner-critic and how to move beyond the limitations of this negative self-talk by turning up the volume on your inner-coach. Strategies for reframing difficulty will be explored so that you can enjoy the process even when the going gets tough.
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Weekly session in MSOM platform
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Strategies to experiment with during your running sessions
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Logging learnings in your MSOM training journal
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Submit any questions you want to be answered by Eloise and Rory on the MSOM monthly Q&A call (last Saturday of each month)
2. Why it matters
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The way you speak to yourself can be either the biggest barrier or biggest enabler of a great marathon experience. Research has shown that training self-talk enables you to persevere longer and have a more positive experience of effort. You speak to yourself more than you speak to anyone else in life – the quality of this conversation matters for your running and your life.
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Self-talk is the foundation for confidence. True confidence is earned through training your ability to coach yourself through tough moments. With plenty of time left until race day, each run is an opportunity to build confidence and trust in yourself – regardless of how the session goes.
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There will be ups and downs on the road ahead – awareness of how to reframe situations and use self-talk that works for you will help you navigate whatever you experience in your preparation.
3. What you might notice
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You might think you are the only one with a negative inner critic. Rest assured everyone has one – even the highest performing athletes.
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You may want to get rid of your inner critic (that’s understandable), but the mental game is more about awareness and making friends with it than trying to kick it to the curb.
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As you train these skills you may notice they are helpful in all aspects of life – not just running.
4. Top tips to nail this phase
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Self-awareness and learning are the goals of this phase – everything you notice or learn about yourself is good.
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Catch your self-talk: are you speaking to yourself the way you would speak to a best friend or someone you really care about?
Secure your 2026 entry through our Official Travel Partners
Travel with one of our Official Travel Partners to guarantee your entry through specially curated travel packages. These packages are ideal for runners and friends and family, providing a seamless marathon weekend experience. Select a Travel Partner that supports your region.
Secure your 2026 entry by running for a purpose with our Charity Partners
Missed out on Ballot? Run for purpose with our headline charities; Running for Premature Babies and We Run Foundation, or choose from our Official Charity Partners.
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