To win at any sport takes a combination of natural
ability and mental skills. Both of these attributes must
be developed and honed. You may or may not be capable of
winning at your sport; few people are, but you can learn
from those that do win. There are key psychological
characteristics a winning athlete must possess. These are
just as important as natural ability and can be identified
and worked on just as you would a physical limiter.
Grace under Pressure
The ability to focus under pressure is a key
characteristic of a winner. A winning athlete will not get
pulled off their game despite outside pressure or
stimulus. They remain calm, cool, and collected. In
endurance sports a winner has to objectively strategize in
a race without getting emotional. This means knowing when
to attack and when to hold back. Races are fluid
situations and strategy must be as well. Crashes, flats,
or inclement weather can be a part of any race but a
winner will overcome these and continue racing to their
best ability. Never quit a race even if it is not going
the way you planned. This is a bad habit to get into. Most
athletes tend to over pace and burn out, attempting to
race beyond their ability. Have a deliberate strategy
planned out. Know your pacing parameters, threshold, and
ability, and race accordingly. Race your own race and do
not get pulled off your game for any reason. Focus on the
process of racing and what is going on in you and around
you, not the outcome.
Learn From Mistakes
A bad race is only bad if you do not learn from it.
Race data is some of the most relevant information you can
gather: this is why it is important to never quit a race.
A winner examines race data carefully and adapts and
modifies their training to rectify their weaknesses. They
do not get discouraged but seek the right questions and
answers. They do not make excuses. Was your performance
due to bad pacing lack of proper hydration or fueling? Or
was it right on target? You should record your splits,
speed, heart rate data, and if possible power and pacing
data. Sometimes your racing can be right on but your
opponent is simply better than you. If that is the case
all you can do is train harder and smarter for your next
events.
Precision
Winners demand precision. This includes precise
training, the best equipment, proper rest and recovery,
and a nutrition plan to meet their specific demands. The
more guess work you take out of these variables, the more
performance you will gain. Use every angle to get yourself
faster. The right pre-race meal, a new wheel set, a better
timed recovery drink, a properly fitted bike, or the right
amount of sleep will all help your performance improve. Do
not leave anything to chance.
No Visions of Grandeur
I always ask potential athletes what they want to gain
from their training. I once had a cyclist answer "to
win." On one level this is an admirable aspiration
but very few athletes can actually achieve this goal. His
experience was minimal and testing indicated he was
genetically average, not gifted. He was so discouraged he
gave his sport up. It is important to set reasonable and
attainable goals. The best are performance-based (I want
to increase my next 5k pace by 5 seconds per mile); versus
outcome-based (I want to win such and such race). Remember
that your training dictates your racing and do not expect
a huge improvement in performance beyond your known
abilities on race day. A winner knows his or her
capabilities and seeks to develop them to their maximum
potential. He or she does not have expectations beyond
what is learned and earned.
Eat Pain
Pain threshold is individualized. Some people are able
to sustain a high level of pain for long periods of time.
Others do not have this ability. This is not a character
flaw. Hospitals now test patients for individual pain
threshold and modify medications accordingly. What hurts
for some will be discomfort for others. That being said,
in order to be a successful athlete you have to develop a
tolerance for discomfort and pain. A developed sprint
athlete will spend their entire race at, above, and
slightly below their lactate threshold. This type of
tolerance for pain takes a lot of focus and mental
fortitude, not just in races but in training as well. A
winner has the ability to consume this pain and persevere.
Get Technical
Random training produces random results whereas
specific training produces specific results. Do not expect
to be faster by simply putting the time in. Winners train
with purpose and specificity. They seek outside assistance
and employ the latest methodologies. They use the best
training technology; heart rate monitors, diet software,
power meters, pace meters, and cycling computers. If you
really want to get fast you need to define your limiters
and come up with a corresponding training plan. Use
performance tests to regularly assess training progress.
Record and track all your work out data. Get a good coach
to put this all together for you.
To me a winner is anyone who accepts the challenge of
developing to their own true potential. This may mean a
podium finish, an age group finish, or a new PR. A
winners' mentality does not just end with racing but
extends to many areas of life. It is pride and confidence
in utilizing your ability.
