Mental Training
Modeling Mighty Minds
By Cheryl D. Hart
Ever wonder what goes on inside the heads of elite triathletes as they push relentlessly through the same physical and emotional challenges that bring the rest of us to our knees?
Vicarious experience or copying someone who has realized success is one of the most effective sources of self-efficacy or belief in your ability to achieve a goal. We can draw knowledge, inspiration and confidence from others’ achievements. By observing, absorbing and imitating role models, we bridge the gap between reality and ideal.
Champions realize that maintaining unshakable confidence despite the pressures of competition is the most important aspect of mental toughness training. Therefore, we must learn to think and act like the pros.
Researching their mental techniques and strategies, I discovered one common denominator: a specific attitude — a positive outlook. Let’s take a peek inside some of these mighty minds:
“Even if you don’t have great brain power or physical talent, anyone can be highly successful in life and in sport by first having a vision for what you want to achieve (even if way beyond what you think you are capable of) then having unrelenting perseverance to bring that vision to a personal reality; to achieve that “vision!”
—Vern LaMere, owner T3 MultiSport, M.S. Exercise Physiology-Human Performance, USA Triathlon certified coach, former director of the Human Performance Lab at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in Indiana, triathlete, and nationally ranked duathlon age-grouper
“Despite a laundry list of minor catastrophes, my attitude keeps me going. I remain determined to go after the dream. The lesson is to focus on the moment, and most of all to be grateful for each opportunity to compete. Offseason is a time for mental rejuvenation. I realize that the more I enjoy the training, the racing and the outcomes are just icing on the cake. I challenge the athletes I coach to play hard and have fun every minute.”
—Carolyn Rice, triathlete and coach
“Keep it simple. Remember that triathlon is made up of three events you loved to do as a child and now you are fortunate enough to ‘play’ again. Relax and connect with the joy the sport gives you.”
— Terri Schneider, coach, former pro, and author of The Triathlete’s Guide to Mental Training
“Many top pros have shared their killer training sessions, reflecting the ‘cry in training, smile on race day’ mentality. But when mental toughness is discussed and these ‘outcome-based’ strategies are given, little light is shed on the process or how these athletes can get through these mentally daunting tasks. When it gets really dark, really tough, what allows an athlete to keep going? For me, it comes down to the “Power of One.” Deeply embedded in our personal histories is a fiery core that has evolved through life and experience. At any moment during a grueling training session or race, voices will give me reasons to stop or slow down. But there’s always my one reason to keep going. Finding that one thing to push through the dark moments is key, but repetition and association is critical. That is, during training, tap into the significance of the one thing, over and over, associating it with successful training sessions. Find your one thing, and the power within you will be unleashed.”
—Tim Barrett, triathlete
In summary, simple strategies proven to bring success: Clear the mind, find your purpose, visualize success, play, smile and be grateful.
Cheryl D. Hart, M.S., is the owner of 2nd Wind Motivation. She is a sport psychology consultant, motivational speaker and instructor of sport & exercise psychology at the University of Louisville. She conducts sessions nationwide. Call (502) 693-7443, email
offrunnin@yahoo.com, or visit www.2ndWindMotivation.
70 USA TRIATHLON SUMMER 2011
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