I used to roll my eyes at the idea of meditation. I figured runners already spend half their lives thinking on the run — why would I need more quiet time? But the older I get, and the more I work with Masters and menopausal athletes, the more I see how necessary it is.
Not the incense-and-chanting version.
Not the “become one with the universe” version.
The simple version.
The “take five minutes to unclench your brain” version.
Because here’s the truth most runners don’t realize: your nervous system runs the show. When it’s fried, overloaded, or carrying the weight of everybody else’s needs, your training feels harder. Your sleep suffers. Your recovery slows. Your pacing falls apart. And your central governor gets jumpy, hitting the brakes any time you feel discomfort.
Meditation helps soften all of that.
And I’m not talking about perfection — I’m talking about reps.
A few minutes a day gives your brain space to breathe.
It helps you process the mental clutter you’re carrying.
It sharpens focus during workouts.
It reduces that background anxiety that creeps into hard runs.
It helps you stay present when your body feels unpredictable.
And it builds a calm, steady internal rhythm that carries straight into your long runs.
Meditation doesn’t have to be fancy. I use an app. Sometimes I only manage a few minutes before bed. But it’s enough to notice I’m less reactive, less overwhelmed, and a lot more grounded in my training — especially during messy hormonal seasons when everything feels louder.
If you’re juggling life, work, aging, training, and everything in between, meditation is one of the smallest habits that can make the biggest difference. Not because it makes you “zen,” but because it helps you run from a place of clarity instead of chaos.
If you’re noticing your training feels heavier than it should or your brain is louder than your legs, meditation is one of the simplest ways to support your performance.
If you want to build a stronger mental foundation — the one that carries you through tough workouts, unpredictable energy, and race-day nerves — here are two places to start:
The Central Governor Guide
A deep dive into how your brain regulates effort, how to stop shutting down when things get uncomfortable, and how to stay steady under stress.
Mindset Challenges
Short, daily practices designed to help you create the mental consistency your training needs — even when life is chaotic.
A calmer brain makes you a stronger runner. Let’s build that part together.