When you compete in a triathlon, you will, in fact, be competing in three “races.” I have races in quotes because not all three are actually races. The obvious race is the one that occurs against your competitors. Your goal is to beat as many of them as you can. But before you can beat [...]
I'm pleased to announce that I will begin a new blog series, Inside the Tri-Mind, devoted to exploring the psychology of triathlon. You may ask: why triathlon and why now? A little backstory. I don't usually mix my professional and personal lives on my blog or social media. But I'm making an exception here because [...]
Note: After publishing my "Eight Must-Haves" on 12/28/20, I added two more Must-Haves that I wanted to share. “Hi, my name is Jim and I’m obsessed with triathlon.” Yes, I admit it, I am 100%, over-the-top crazy about triathlon (my family thinks I should be committed!). A brief back story explaining how I arrived at [...]
Triathlon imagery is perhaps the most powerful mental skill you can develop to help you achieve Prime Triathlon. There are four factors that will impact the quality of your triathlon imagery: perspective, control, multiple sense, and speed. You can develop each of these areas so you can get the most out of your triathlon imagery. [...]
I have been fortunate to have worked with and spoken to many world-class triathletes over the years. Whenever I am with one of these triathletes, I ask them what lessons they have learned that have enabled them to reach the highest level of triathlon. Perform To The Best Of Your Ability In any given triathlon, [...]
Routines develop consistency in all areas that impact triathlon. By consistently going through your routine, you train your mind and body to respond the same way regardless of the situation. At the same time, consistency does not mean rigidity. Routines are flexible. They can be adjusted to different situations that arise, for example, a delay [...]
Developing focus control is essential if you want to achieve Prime Triathlon. Being able to focus on things that will help you perform your best and avoid distractions that hurt your performances are critical to achieving your triathlon goals. There are several simple strategies you can use to ensure that you are focused on what [...]
When you’re in a triathlon, it’s natural for your intensity to go up and for you to feel nervous. If you want to perform your best, you have to take active steps to get your intensity back to its prime level. There are several simple techniques you can use to help you get your intensity [...]
Bad intensity—physical changes that hurt your triathlon—produces a wide variety of physical and mental “red flags” that can help you recognize when your intensity is too high or too low. By being aware of these signs, you can know when you’re not at prime intensity and can take steps to reach that ideal level. Overintensity [...]
The real test of confidence is how you respond when things are not going your way. I call this the Confidence Challenge. It’s easy to stay confident when you’re healthy and well-rested, have been training well, and the conditions are ideal. But an inevitable part of triathlon is that you will get over-trained occasionally, be [...]
