Mental Skills in Action: Javelina Jighlights
Sunrise at the start of the Javelina Jundred.
Joly Smokes! Watching the Javelina Jundred from the sidelines last weekend I was witness to an amazing spectacle. I saw people from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, and all ages get to the starting line and take on the incredible challenge of running a hundred miles or hundred kilometers in the desert, under some of the hottest conditions this race has seen. I love this race for many reasons, most of all as a sport psychology professional I can witness people do something extremely challenging and see them all at multiple points during the race, you get to witness mental skills in action. The following are just some of what I saw from the sidelines.
Fun
Purple things in the night.
First and foremost, this race is FUN. It is a festive atmosphere known to some as the Burning Man of Ultra’s. Runners, spectators, pacers and crew dress in costumes. There are awards for costumes and ummm… awards for best behinds. Loud music is playing well into the early hours of the morning as runners creep through the finish, fire-eaters at the start. Yoga for the pacers, spectators and crew during the day. This element of fun was key for so many in what is truly a sufferfest.
Lesson: FUN is a key motivator.
Supportive Atmosphere
This race is incredibly well supported by the race director and volunteers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for spectators, crew and pacers to stay in place due to the nature of runners going three to five loops depending on the distance. The connection and the vibe were real. Athletes seemed to feed off of it giving them a spring in their step as they came through Javelina Jeadquarters.
Lesson: Connection is key. This is a key juice in building resilience and confidence. If you go to a race that has a different set up, build in your supports.
Self-Belief
This one is a little harder to discern as I still can’t read people’s minds, but from what I’ve seen on social media and what I’ve discussed with athletes – people who had successful days had a great deal of positive self-belief. They knew they could do it. They knew they could run in the desert for miles in ninety-five-degree heat and be successful. Even people that didn’t finish due to physical factors like overheating, nausea and injury, still had the belief that they could get the job done. Physical limitations don’t discount self-belief.
Lesson: Come with the belief that you’re going to get it done. There are plenty of ways to build efficacy – if you need a hand give me a shout out.
Working the Process Goals
The Phoenix Rises. Legends.
I can tell you as a therapist, mental performance coach AND ultra-running coach, to finish an ultra-marathon, you need to abide by the PROCESS. Having clear process goals will help you get to the finish line, and a lot of times get to the finish line FASTER. When I say clear, I mean super clear. What to eat, when to eat, how to cool off, what effort you be running, etc. – all in detail. (the first letter in SMART Goals – SPECIFIC).
Super Ultra Hero Andy Jones Wilkins, a seasoned expert in ultra-running, coming off of double hip replacement surgery finished his first hundred-mile race in three years in under 23-hours. I was blown away as were many others. He did this in part by sticking to process goals during his training and racing. It couldn’t have worked out better for him! I’d also like to shout out to the winner of the race David Roche who was very clear about his process on social media – he was a MACHINE. Look him up on social to check it out what he did to fuel for this race.
Lesson: Clearly write out your process goals, practice them and stick to them during the race.
Mental Toughness and Fortitude
Above all athletes demonstrated fortitude and I would argue even if they didn’t finish they still demonstrated toughness and fortitude. Stepping out into the desert in these conditions you must have fortitude. Fortitude is the mental and emotional strength to endure challenges, face adversity, and persevere through difficult situations. In essence, fortitude is about maintaining a strong spirit and resolve, even in the face of significant obstacles.
Lesson: Come to races prepared with the mental skills and emotional regulation strategies to confront the challenges that the race will present.
Summary
When all is said done come to races to have FUN no matter where they are…if it doesn’t look fun, it likely won’t be. Define your own fun and look for it, it’s often right in front of you. Second, always, be clear about what the process is and stick with it. Third, connect with others around you, your ‘crew’, and take in that overwhelming support – people want to see you get it done! Fourth, believe you can, deeply believe you can get the job done. Finally, use that that extra little bag of fortitude – tie it around your neck. Emotional control is essential for ultra-running.
If you’d like help preparing for your next race reach out to me here, I’m happy to help. Also, look for my training Mental Skills for Ultra coming up in the early winter.