Before you lace up your trainers and dive into your next training plan, it’s worth taking a moment to press pause and reflect. One of the most powerful tools you can use to support your running journey isn’t found in your kit bag or nutrition cupboard—it’s your mindset.

As a running coach in Bristol, I’ve seen time and again how mental preparation can make the difference between simply following a plan and truly thriving in your training. This self-reflection exercise is designed to help you build awareness, set yourself up for success, and prepare mentally for the weeks ahead.

Why Self-Reflection Matters

Training isn’t just about mileage and pace—it’s about making intentional choices that align with your goals, your lifestyle, and your mindset. Reflecting before you start a training block helps you:

✅ Identify what’s worked in the past (and what hasn’t) ✅ Spot habits that might need tweaking ✅ Anticipate challenges and plan how to manage them ✅ Set realistic, meaningful goals ✅ Build a strong mental foundation for the journey ahead

How to Use This Exercise

Grab a notebook, or just take 15 minutes of quiet time to think through the following topics. This is for you—you don’t have to share it with anyone (unless you feel it’s something I should factor into your coaching plan).

Things to Reflect On:

🟢 Training

• What types of sessions have you responded well to before?

• What are your strengths and what’s held you back in the past?

🟢 Lifestyle

• Are there habits or routines that could support or sabotage your training?

• For example, that 2am nightclub session before your Sunday long run? It might need to go on pause for a while!

🟢 Race Preparation & Tactics

• What has helped you feel confident before races?

• Do you go out too fast? Leave too much in the tank? Be honest!

🟢 Nutrition

• Are you fuelling and hydrating well before, during, and after runs?

• Any changes you want to trial during this training cycle?

🟢 Recovery

• How well do you sleep and recover between sessions?

• Do you give your body the rest it needs?

🟢 Conditioning

• Are you doing strength or mobility work regularly?

• Where do you feel strongest or most vulnerable?

🟢 Psychology

• How do you talk to yourself when training gets tough?

• Do you get anxious before races or doubt your ability?

What to Do With Your Insights

You don’t need to share your answers unless you feel something is relevant to your coaching plan—like anxiety around racing or lifestyle shifts that will affect training. The goal here is to start mentally preparing for the journey ahead, so you approach your training with clarity, purpose, and self-awareness.

How Coaching Supports Mental Preparation

Through personalised coaching, I help runners not only build fitness, but also develop mental strength, resilience, and self-awareness. We don’t just chase finish lines—we build sustainable, enjoyable training routines that fit your life and help you grow.

🏃‍♂️ Ready to train smarter and start strong? Get in touch today to see how personalised coaching can help you reach your running goals.

Training starts with intention. Take time to reflect, plan, and mentally prepare—and you’ll step into your next training block with focus, motivation, and a strong sense of purpose.