Put More into Competition than Training: Mental Attributes of Elite Runners #2/15

#2 — Put More into Competition than Training.

Every champion runner I've coached enjoyed competition more than training. It's almost like they put up with training so they could compete on race day. Not to say they didn't take practice seriously, but they understood practice was only a sample, while competition was the full meal.

Central to this notion to enhanced racing performance is the idea that a positive self-concept is associated with a healthy belief system. 

Self-concept is not static. Each day and scenario in which we find ourselves brings new challenges to our self-concept that will improve or erode it. It's why momentum works. Self-concept is a cycle: success breeds success and failure breeds failure. 

Often, when self-concept is weak runners put their belief in some object outside themselves like shoes, lucky charms, the numbers in their training logs, etc. as if they are magic crystals that will make the difference. Those with strong self-concept put their belief in something which connects them to a greater experience such as religion, their team, family, country, etc. 

The champion's self-concept is connected, whereas the back of the pack runner's self-concept is usually isolated.

The loneliness of the long-distance runner is an outdated narrative. We humans are social beings, connection to others and feeling included in a group bring a sense of security and stability. This gives us a platform from which to elevate. Going it solo, or feeling like you're alone in your journey, may be great for recording impressive training numbers, but does little to give you a competitive boost on race day.

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Thx. | jm