So I wanted to share some of the results of this study:
1.
267 (54%) of the sample indicated that they sometimes feel they are in a "trance" or altered state of consciousness while running.
36 (16%) of this group have been hypnotised before and 26 (11%) have been exposed to other techniques such as transcendental meditation, yoga, and autogenic training.
Interestingly, comparing the 165 respondents with no previous experience with the 62 who had used hypnosis (or other techniques) before reveals no significant difference on any of the items asked within the questionnaire.
Of those who stated they experienced "trance-like" states when running, 70 (31%) described the methods they used to get into those states:
- 24 (35%) used their own breathing as a technique. They described rhythmical breathing, counting and stride patterns.
- 18 (26%) use imagery which is frequently described as "out of the body" whereby the runner watches himself from a dissociated perspective.
- 9 (13%) of those using imagery had a grandiose quality to the imagery used - such as winning a big marathon event or Olympic gold.
- 6 (9%) used music to induce a trance. Often using some of the lyrics over and over in the mind.
- The remainder focused attention on a particular point or would allow their mind to wander.
2.
196 (46%) of the runners stated that they repeated words or phrases in their heads when running. 43% of them used music lyrics or music to repeat. 15% stated that they used encouraging words to themselves such as "you can do it" etc. 12% employ counting such as counting steps, breaths or passing cars.
The runners were also asked what mental processes they used to run faster and better. 108 (25%) described techniques fitting into a variety of categories:
- 18% use imagery relating to body parts working well or their body functioning smoothly.
- 16% Use distractions such as talking to someone else or focusing elsewhere, getting absorbed in the scenery or used sexual thoughts.
- 14% used goal setting and rewarding themselves for hitting targets.
- 14% focused on their form throughout in an attempt to keep efficient and effective.
3.
245 (58%) of those runners in the survey engaged in mental imagery of some kind when running.
- 34% try to form images.
- 66% say that the images happen spontaneously without effort.
- 35% use imagery that involves watching one' self running and often crossing the line at the end of a run. Many see themselves as fit and healthy.
- 18% engage in grandiose imagery, such as winning races.
- 18% imagine pleasant scenes such as beaches or forests.
4.
251 (59%) of runners in this study felt that they become more creative when running. They found themselves able to find solutions to problems, generate ideas better and with less effort.
It would be an interesting study that examined whether running somehow does help us create new ideas or if it is lowering anxiety in order to enable a free flow of thoughts.
It is a fascinating study for sure. Even though runners may seem blank and withdrawn and quiet inside, this study suggests that the opposite is true and that the majority are engaged in some mental activity. The study even suggests that what many runners experience is similar, if not the same, as self-hypnosis. Which is very useful for you to know if you ever plan on running and/or you have learned self-hypnosis with me or via my work.
From et al (1981) describe self-hypnosis as being characterised by "an expansion of attentional range, increased receptivity to internal events and an increase in the quantity and quality of imagery." The mental processes occurring during running tend to meet all these criteria for self-hypnosis. Though heck, no-one single definition of self-hypnosis is as of yet agreed upon and tends to be open to plenty of debate.
Typically, runners being dissociated or absorbed in something else or engaged in other types of reality are also considered characteristics of both hetero- and self-hypnosis.
This study (especially with my level of biased interpretation) might suggest that running naturally enhances hypnosis skills of the individual.
Spanos et al (1986) and Fromm et al (1981) demonstrated that those who practiced their self-hypnosis skills became more responsive and more hypnotisable. Most runners train 3-5 times a week and so get to practice their own mental strategies that many times too. Runners really do therefore (surely!) have the capacity to become exceptional self-hypnotists - especially if trained how to use it effectively instead of just using spontaneous forms as noted and reported on within this study. That is the direction we go in now with the rest of this chapter.
For me, it gives me even more encouragement about the usefulness, relevance and benefits of runners learning to use self-hypnosis skills to advance their running performance. Some of which I'll share throughout this month.
References:
Callen, K. E., (1983) Auto-hypnosis in long distance runners. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 26 (1), 30-36.
Fromm, E., Brown, D. P., Hurt, S. W., Oberlan, J. Z., Boxer, M., & Pfeiferg, G. The phenomena and characteristics of self-hypnosis. International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis, 1981,29, 189-246.
