How often do you start an event or even a workout and you tell yourself:

Just don’t lose.

Don’t come in last.

Don’t hurt yourself.

Don’t fall.

Don’t fail...

The fear of failure can make us risk adverse.

We start to play not to lose. We don’t push ourselves as hard as we could because there is a risk of not being successful in the task.

Do you get in your head at the start of a race?

Keep asking yourself, ‘why am I doing this?’ as you contemplate dropping out of a race?

Finish part of a workout and start telling yourself ‘you suck, go do something else.’

Feel like an imposter?

You’re not alone. All athletes battle with up’s and down’s in their mental game. However, we’re not necessarily taught these skills and certainly isn’t what a lot of coaches are teaching.

Mental skills training is not just for elite athletes. Everyone can benefit from it. Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon, racing Ironman Kona or trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon, developing and enhancing your mental skills is not just going to prepare you for race day but longevity as an athlete.

While the thought crossed my mind for a few moments to not compete as I knew there was a certain risk (of severe injury or worse) I also knew that I could be composed enough to not ‘race,’ take my time navigating terrain that was above my ability, challenge myself in other areas, grow as a rider and get stronger, preparing for races later in the season.

The opportunity was in the mindset.