Cognitive Strategies and Long-Distance Running

Abstract

Long-distance runners utilize either a dissociative cognitive strategy, an associative cognitive strategy, or a combination of both of these strategies, one at a time, at various times while training or racing. Although research findings have indicated that these athletes are able to switch between these two strategies depending on their given running situation, no explanation has been offered as to how this switching is achieved. This article suggests that runners use automaticity and parallel processing in order to accomplish this function. The use of association and dissociation for running-induced pain tolerance is also addressed.