Going Mental Triathlon Styles

Leesseebee

A big part of triathlons are mental: Changing the "I can'ts" into "I can" and the "I cans" into "I will" and, finally, the "I wills" into "Yup, I did it and it. was. AWESOME"!
What are your mental blocks and how do you overcome them?

symegeer

Because I've been injured a lot I am always convinced any tiny niggling pain is a big deal. I just need to recognise when it is something small and when I'm hypochondriac-ing (totally a word, right?) myself into cutting short a work out, and then push through!

Leesseebee

I think that is a really tough one-it is hard to know when the pain is telling you "this will help you in the long run" or "this will hurt you if you don't stop"-I struggle with that too and I am a total hypochondriac as well!
I am used to yelling at myself to go through everything, but sometimes that has led to my undoing-internal tough love?

trimom10

It doesn't happen in every race, but once in awhile. When I am having a difficult time, I usually think, "I CAN do this," or "STOP it. You've trained for how long? You will cross the finish line." Then I usually don't have those negative thoughts and finish the race!

ironholgs

I've had some pretty dark thoughts at various stages of the Ironman races that I've done. Usually a stern word, or a positive spin on the situation ( ie: it's not a marathon, it's only 4 10ks and a bit ), a cheer from the crowd or a word from my Dad, as was the case at Ironman Germany kept me going.
I also try and sing a happy song in my head, sounds weird but it motivates me - on saturday it was Katy Perrys Firework, whilst I was doing a 7hr training session.

Obviously in a longer race, I can walk / run - sometimes, physically I have no choice. "Just make it to the next feed station, and then you can walk and have a drink" and then repeat.