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An obsession with training output can seriously mess with your head...
If you read page 1 of most 'coaching books' it will start with 'monitoring progress'. If you keep a training diary, you will hopefully see your power output or running speed progressing on a weekly basis, throughout the training plan. There's a general view that when you train, you should 'progress' from week to week and you can 'track your progress' by recording metrics. I've got to be honest... I've never started a training program and watched my power output increase week on week in a progressive, linear fashion. Generally I have good days and bad days, some weeks I feel...
Anxiety on race day - What's the worry?
On twitter recently I've noticed a growing trend for 'virtual races' or 'virtual events'. If you're not familiar with them, the basic principle is that you go and run 10k or any other distance (you can run any time, wherever you like) and then you send an email, proving you've ran 10k, who then sends you a medal for your efforts. There's no results, you're not running at the same time as other people, you simply go for a run and then you get a medal for it. Now... I've got a few thoughts on this... firstly I'd like to...
Confidence comes with success... but success only comes with confidence
We had a lot of feedback and responses to last week’s blog, it is no surprise that many of you can relate to the Evaluation Apprehension Theory and how it affects you (and your family), not just in sport, but in the workplace too. If you didn’t read last week’s blog, read it now by GOING HERE. In the last blog, we described Evaluation Apprehension Theory and its effects on performance. Based on the responses we received since then, we would like to raise an additional point which is ‘self-efficacy’.It is fundamental that you, as an athlete, have a strong sense...
I like racing... but what will they think of me?
Anxiety can be the main cause of poor sports performance. It spoils enjoyment, it prevents you from thinking straight and a negative state of mind can often lead to you simply 'giving up'. Dr Mark Chadwick and Marc Laithwaite discusses 'Evaluation Apprehension Theory' and mastering your arousal for optimal performance on race day. The power of others to influence an individual’s behaviour is readily apparent in competition. Believe it or not, arousal is key to your success in sport, or perhaps I should say, your ability to manage your levels of arousal is crucial to be able to perform at...