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Source: LifeSport
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When you are out training, it is empowering to start becoming aware of your though patterns. Obviously the way we think and the things we focus on in practice become habitual over time, and that place we regularly visit in our mind and spirit become an automatic response to stress and stimuli on race day.

It's good to think about positive moments in life when you are solely focused on one thing. Consider young love- a couple that is so engrossed in each other that there aren't any conflicting "worry" thoughts hovering around in the back ground, clouding their experience: "how will I make rent this month; will I pass chemistry this term; will my boss ream me out at work today?" They are in a state of "flow" with each other. They are immersed in the act of just being present and together.

Now think about training and racing.

Most people who do triathlon love some aspect of training for sport. It might be the endorphins from a speed set in the pool, or the fluid rhythm of a base run. Feelings on a positive day usually range from calm to uplifted or excited. Interestingly, we can often become completely immersed in a negative, energy sapping thoughts as well. "This is hard; my legs hurt; I feel heavy; how much further; I don't like this"... You can dwell on these types of thoughts for long periods of time. In Ironman, these types of thoughts can be deal breakers. One of the biggest challenges of the Ironman is that it is just such a long time to think out there.

The next time you find yourself immersed in a negative thought pattern, consider past experiences in sport or life when you felt mentally light. Revisit some of your positive mental sessions. I will bet that your mind was clear that day, and for one reason or another you decided that day you were going to have a positive, on-task experience out there. Take ownership of that mental mindset. It's a potential tool in your tool kit you can practice, hone and use on race day.

What do you meditate on? It is a positive process of movement and mental lightness and clarity? Or is it a personal battle against gravity, oxygen debt, and pain? You decide.

Lance Watson
LifeSport

Over the past 20 years, Lance Watson has coached a number of Ironman and Olympic Games Champions.

Beginner and experienced triathletes can contact him at LifeSport Coaching (coach@LifeSport.ca) or visit LifeSport.ca.