Battling the Demons Inside Your Head

In triathlon, so much is discussed about the importance of weekly volume, bike aerodynamics, or even daily nutrition. Ask any Type-A Ironman triathlete on the street, and in no time, they can tell you how many miles they rode last week or why their bike position saves them 5 seconds over the course of a 40 K time trial. Physically, these athletes have what it takes, but what I find that many athletes need to improve is their mental strength, and I even fall into that category. You can be physically prepared to race, you've done the 6 hour rides, 3 hour runs, and those fun 5000 yard swims, but if you are not prepared mentally when you toe the line, you are giving away a huge advantage. Hopefully, in a few weeks time, I'll be working with a sports psychologist on the mental aspect of racing. I'll keep you posted.

Another factor in becoming mentally strong is maintaining dicipline. I was reading the most recent Triathlete Magazine on a article about David Goggins. David Goggins is a Navy SEAL who became one of the most successful ultra-endurance athletes. Talk about mentally strong, he runs 20 + miles a day, works, then comes home to go back out running or riding. A quote from that article pretty much sums his outlook on maintaining discipline throughout his training. He says, "I wake up at 3 a.m., take a suck-it-up pill, and wash it down with a big can of hard." So next time your in bed, staring at the alarm clock, wondering if you'll get up and out the door.....think about David Goggins and take his medicine!!! All for now, off to watch one of the greatest things to see on TV, the Team Time Trial in the Tour de France!!!

SJI