ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the role of the psychological factors and outlines the evidence around the use of psychological strategies in distance running. Distance running is unique from a psychological perspective. The role of psychological factors: confidence, motivation, and emotions are discussed in relation to the demands of distance running. To facilitate these psychological factors, the evidence surrounding the use of psychological strategies in distance running is outlined. Endurance performance is unique from a psychological perspective. A runner requires motivation to put in the training hours, there is a lot of time to think, and it will probably hurt at some stage. Self-belief is one of the important psychological factors that plays a role in distance running. A distance runner’s self-efficacy beliefs develop through the influence of four sources: past accomplishments, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological states. Imagery is a popular psychological strategy used by athletes across all distance running events.
