Triathlon base training for your mind

Training for an event can be difficult at best. With obligations for both family and work, not to mention all the time you need to train, it can seem overwhelming at times.

Here are a few training tips for keeping your training positive, focused and keeping you motivated as you create major breakthroughs in your training and in your life.

POSITIVE IMAGES: Visualization is one of the most over looked pieces of a quality training program. In you visualizations you want to create feelings of speed and power. (e.g., If you’re walking or running and you come to an unexpected hill visualize your self being pulling effortlessly to the top). The best way to use visualization is to do so before, during and after your training. Doing this will build confidence and motivation.

POSITIVE SPEACH: Make positive self-statements continually. Negative thinking is common; everyone has an inner critic. Become aware of these thoughts early on. The most important thing you can do is to not fight with your negative thoughts; simply acknowledge their presence, and then substitute positive phrases. .

STAYING IN THE MONENT AND FOCUS: Practice your mental training by being in the present moment. Remind yourself to stay in the here and now. Let past and future events fade into the background. Train your self to block out all things around you. When running I like to stare out about 15 meters ahead and focus on the road. During this time I am running visualizations of my finish through my head.

ADVANTAGE: Use everything in the running workout to your advantage. For example, if another person passes you, tuck in behind and go with their energy for as long as possible.

SECTIONING-GOALS: Focus on your next event. Break your training goals down into small, manageable pieces and start focusing only on the first portion, not the entire workout (e.g., Say to yourself: “I’m just relaxing and getting my rhythm during the mile or two, or the first workout session”). Base training for your mind.