Mental Peaking

Peaking for a goal race is not just a physical process; it is a mental process as well. As you approach your peak race your training becomes more physically intense and specific. Mental focus must rise as well, before the physical can occur. The culmination of this takes place on race day when your mental skills must be as honed as your physical. What are the characteristics of a mentally peaked athlete, and how do you obtain them?

� Confident. A mentally peaked athlete is confident in their abilities and performance no matter what it may be. In order for to achieve this confidence they must know what their performance capabilities are, and this comes from; you guessed it-- training. The athlete knows what pace they will run off the bike because they have already ran it. They know how they will swim in the open water because they have done it, and they know how they will ride the hills because they rode them last week. This is not overconfidence or bravado; this is knowing exactly what you are capable of and simply following through.

� Collected. Every athlete is excited at the starting line. The mentally peaked athlete can control and channel this excitement, and any over stimulation will go away with the starting gun. One thing you never want to do is show up for a goal race having not raced. Secondary events get the kinks worked out and get you used to the racing process. These races lower anxiety levels and set reasonable performance expectations.

� Process Driven. Have you ever had a fellow athlete remark on a race course or land mark, yet you have no recollection of it? This is likely due to the fact that you were in �the zone,� and more focused on monitoring yourself internally than observing the irrelevant landscape. You may have been carefully watching your heart rate, pace, power, cadence, perceived exertion, and the course immediately in front of you. A process driven athlete races as if it is just another work out. They know exactly what to do and when. They drink and eat on a strict schedule. They pace themselves precisely.

� �Intrepid: characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance.� An intrepid athlete is adaptable, resourceful, and will not be denied their race. They would never DNF unless they were forced to; even if they were having a bad race. They consider only what is within their control and let everyone else worry about the weather, other competitors, and how prepared they are on race day. They can make tactical decisions without getting emotional and can absorb more pain.

� Focused. Everyone knows you must be focused on race day, and it is somewhat easy due to the stimulation level. But being focused does not just mean racing hard, it means racing right. Sticking to a pacing strategy, fueling and hydration strategy, and not getting pulled off your game is the key to a successful race. If you chase down every athlete that passes you on the bike you will soon find you have nothing left in your legs. The focused athlete races his or her own race, and knows exactly what to do when.

By working on these skills you will not only perform better, you will enjoy racing more. Racing is an emotional experience and the goal is not to take the emotion out of the race; it is to channel it then savor it at the finish line.

Matt Russ has coached and trained elite athletes from around the country and internationally for over ten years. He currently holds expert licenses from USA Triathlon, USA Cycling (Elite), and is a licensed USA Track and Field Coach. Matt is head coach and owner of The Sport Factory, and works with athletes of all levels full time. He is a free lance author and his articles are regularly featured in a variety of magazines such as Inside Triathlon, and Triathlete. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information or email him at coachmatt@thesportfactory.com