We all spend many hours training our bodies each week for triathlon, but how often do we train our brain?
I read a great article by Daniel Ricciardo, Perth’s only Formula One driver. He was saying how he was watching the Eagles v Power game last week and when the game went into extra time all the coaches and support staff went out onto the field to coach and advise the team.
Like Formula One drivers, this does not happen for us as triathletes so we need to be able to deal with any situation that may arise at any time.
My first advice on this subject is “If in doubt, don’t!”
What that means is that if you are not sure whether you should or should not do something, then you probably shouldn’t do it.
All sorts of things can happen to us during both training and racing and we have to roll with it and keep a good attitude.
An example that has happened to me a number of times is getting a flat tyre during a race. In this circumstance you have two choices – you can calmly change the tyre and carry on with your day; or you can curse and swear and ruin the rest of your day. But ultimately, it is your choice and you are in control.
This is where ‘brain training’ comes into effect. Brain training is teaching yourself to think before you act and if you can do that when things aren’t going to plan then you can cope with it mentally and not ruin your day.