Have Confidence in One’s Ability to Perform Up to Expectation: Mental Attributes of Elite Runners #3/15

#3 — Have confidence in one’s ability to perform up to expectation.

Confidence is not magic. It’s earned through demonstrated ability via repeated action.

We fall to the level of our preparation. And this is why how a runner prepares is so important.

Doing a significant amount of training at desired race specific speeds, or faster, will yield favorable results on race day. Whereas accumulating a lot of general aerobic fitness through a high accumulation of slow miles most likely will not. There is truth in the saying, “you play like you practice.”

Confidence is rooted in certainty. A strong self-concept and connection to a community helps. But so do realistic expectations. Oftentimes runners or coaches expect an “out-of-this-world” performance at goal races. “Shoot for the moon and you’ll fall on the stars!” While the hope and enthusiasm in this sentiment should be encouraged, the expectation should not. It’s not clear. And without clarity there is no certainty.

I try to tell my runners exactly the race form they’re in. I’m blunt. Honest. And am usually in the ballpark. This is not braggadocio. I don’t have telepathic powers and can’t predict the future.

However, like any caring coach, who has spent months observing workout after workout and witnessing a runner’s progress, I use that data to make an educated guess. A coach’s positive reinforcement — along with a logbook full of healthy workouts — helps, I think, to elevate a runner’s belief in themselves and race day expectations to produce a favorable outcome.

Any questions? Direct Message me on twitter.

Thx. | jm