MIND+HEALTH
When it comes to getting race ready, watch and learn
GETTING INTO THE RIGHT FRAME of mind before a race or a key session can make a big difference to your performance. But how do you go about it? Researchers* recently found that watching 10- to 15-minute mental-training videos for up to three weeks can have a hugely positive effect.
One subject group was shown videos explaining breathing techniques, tips for self-confidence and how to visualise success, whereas the control participants received no mental preparation. Subjects were randomly assigned to their groups, and all took VO2 max and lactate threshold tests before and after the three weeks, as well as a time-to-exhaustion test (TTE) at the end of the study. The video-trained runners improved their TTE by over 10%.
So, think about what you’re watching before races – the right messages can help you tune into a stronger performance. Bambi is probably not a great option.
On the flip side…
Interval training is a great way to
