Last Sunday was a memorable training day. I spent the run having a totally engaging conversation with Andrew H. about our strengths and how much we’ve improved since last year. Physically, the run felt easy and my body felt light and crisp. We both spent a lot of time during the run talking about how great we were feeling. My senses were tingling with the crisp clean air and the forest scenery of my favorite trails.
Such a pleasurable training day makes me want to reflect on how I can make this kind of day happen all the time. For me, the mental game is a big part of how and why this day felt so great.
positive feedback in the pool == positive mental space == strong swim
positive conversations == positive mental space == great long run
As you can see, all of the positive feedback that I’m getting is affecting me in a great way. Compared to where I was last year, I feel like I’m way ahead of the game. Capturing this mental space, and figuring out how to make it last, or bring it back when I need a boost is something worth considering.
One first step is to notice what’s working. For me, I seem to gather mental boosts from having conversations and positive feedback while training. The physical act of having a positive conversation with someone that reflects on your strengths and improvements puts your brain into the right mental space for a good workout. I also like a routine, and I find sticking to a routine very motivating.
But what if the workout’s not feeling great, but instead you’re feeling tired, grumpy, and like nothing’s working right? I’m having lots of mental time spent like this right now, too!
The physical act of moving seems to eventually bring my brain around. For these times, focussing inward (drawing on the positive feelings of other times) and on technique seems to give me the right focus to get me back to feeling good. I guess even just being aware that your mental attitude affects your physical performance puts you one step ahead. …and it’s sure nice to feel like you’re ahead of the game.
swim workout – can’t remember the details, lots of focus on sculling
run workout 1h:45