Breakthrough Triathlon Training Chapter 3 Excerpt "Mental Toughness is for Wimps"

"Don't be content with average because Average is just as close to the bottom as it is to the top" --Danielle Ballentine

Concentration is paying attention to the right things at the right time. Along with physical skills, strong mental skills are an essential for peak performance. It is the mind that often holds us back. In the heart of a race many things compete for your attention, distracting you from your goal objective.

Giving up is the ultimate tragedy. ~ Robert J. Donovan

The finish line is sometimes merely the symbol of victory. All sorts of personal triumphs take place before that point, and the outcome of the race may actually be decided long before the end. ~Laurence Malone, U.S. Men's Cylocross Champion 1974-1975

The mind is as important as the body when it comes to success in sports. This is especially true for long duration events, like an Ironman or marathon, when the mind has plenty of time to wander.

"Life is a collection of self-fulfilling prophesies." -- John Nabor, US Olympic Swimmer There's a page I keep in the notebook I carry when I give workshops. It's an old ad ripped out from a past issue of a local sports magazine.

To win at any sport takes a combination of natural ability and mental skills.  Both of these attributes must be developed and honed.  You may or may not be capable of winning at your sport; few people are, but you can learn from those that do win. There are key psychological characteristics a winning athlete must possess.

I never criticize a player until they are first convinced of my unconditional confidence in their abilities. --John Robinson

We have all heard the phrase “adapt and overcome” but when faced with a situation that challenges us it takes skill, practice, and discipline to implement this strategy.  To adapt requires flexibility; to overcome- resolve.  These skills are not necessarily innate, but can be learned and practiced.