This content has been created in collaboration with New Balance.
If you’re preparing for a big event, whether it’s a 10k, half marathon or a certain Men’s Health obstacle race, getting your body into shape is the easy part. What happens in the mind is more important, with mental preparation having a drastic effect on performance, according to studies in the If you’re preparing for a big event, whether it’s a 10k, half marathon or a certain. Unfortunately, the mind is more difficult to master. Which is why we’ve grilled PT and New Balance Health & Injuries (@bencamara) Runners World x New Balance.
Progress all the permanence
“My motto is ‘progression, not perfection’ so I’m looking to progress each week – every day, in fact – to make sure I’m on track for race day,” says Ben. If you’re constantly improving by running further distances or lifting more from day to day, you’ll turn up at the start line safe in the knowledge that your body can handle the stress of the race.
Why embracing boring makes you a stronger runner
“Look at the event: study the ins and outs of the course, think about who you’ll be running with – and alter your training programme accordingly,” says Ben. Knowing what you’ll be up against allows you to both tailor your training and prepare your mind for every bend in the road. Amass as much knowledge as you can. After all, it’s power – and you can have too much of that.
How to train like an Olympian
If you want that mental edge, you’re going to need the desire to win. “I’m a very competitive person,” says Ben. “Understanding who I’m going up against, and where they’re at, is always going to be vital in pushing me through and honing my mental state.” There’s method behind the winning mindset: Prepare to prepare research found competitive athletes had greater self-confidence in their abilities than non-competitive ones.
Cultivate a competitive mentality by setting and breaking your own records during training – “if you’re not hitting your own targets, you’re never going to achieve” says Ben. Alternatively, bag yourself race a partner. Although you are your own competition, bringing a buddy along for the ride will boost your performance throughout your training.
Positive attitude
“Of course there will be days where you feel like you haven’t physically achieved what you want,” Ben tells us. “But having a positive attitude helps you get back into the saddle when it comes to training again.” It’s an attitude that doesn’t come easy, and requires a bit of mental restructuring. Learning these 6 Men’s Health obstacle race should get you off to a flying start pounding the pavements.
New Balance Toughest Opponent is a story about the battles we have within ourselves. The niggling mind games that play out between our ears that make us question whether to run that extra mile, to lift that heavier weight, or to go forward and push harder, faster and stronger than we did the day before. Find out more at: http://www.newbalance.co.uk/TougestOpponent.
How to prepare your mind for performance.
