This post is rated Olympians and Ironman.

If you have raced competitively for any period of time, you know that the length of the event can have a significant effect on your emotions. In general, the longer the distance the more mental energy required. I once heard that Ironman racing is 10% physical and 90% mental. After 7 years, I can now say that I believe that with all my might!

The mind is such a powerful force and carries the potential to make or break your performance. Long distance racing albeit swimming, cycling, running or triathlon is a battle. The greater the distance between the starting line and finish chute the greater the likelihood of encountering a war.

The war of the mind is launched whenever you allow your thoughts to wander. The war gets worse whenever you focus on anything other than the moment. The beauty of this is that you are in control. The best advice I ever received for Ironman is “no matter how you feel, it will change.” That seems so simple, but the trick is to never quit.

So how do you win the war of the mind….fight the battle of the moment and keep your mind focused on the here and now.

photo credit: miziuk.blogspot.com