The advantages and disadvantages of talking to fellow runners

Some runners might see it as an advantage to talk to fellow runners because it seems to distract them from the monotone movement and fatigue they might have. Often marathon runners hit a low when they are running and it can be nice to distract yourself from those negative feelings by talking to someone. Spectators can help the runner to be more motivated and to persevere

Some runners might see it as an advantage to talk to fellow runners because it seems to distract them from the monotone movement and fatigue they might have. Often marathon runners hit a low when they are running and it can be nice to distract yourself from those negative feelings by talking-to someone. Spectators can help the runner to be more motivated and to persevere.

However, speaking to spectators and fellow runners normally has a negative effect for maintaining mental peak performance levels. The breathing and running rhythm change during the conversation which has a negative effect on the pace and endurance level. Furthermore, the runner who is in the “zone “will get distracted from this mental peak performance level and it might beard to get into the optimal performance level again. As soon as the mind is feeling the negative effects of the strenuous physical exercise the runner could be more inclined to start having negative thoughts, feel the pain more, slow down or even give up.

Everyone is different, some people like the distraction of conversation and keep on running without knowing it but many athletes prefer to stay in their optimal performance zone without any distractions and interferences. Generally athletes who enter more high level races are much focused, concentrated and need to stay in their proper running/ breathing rhythm and mental thought patterns to perform optimally. Conversations would be a great distraction on all levels for them.