291. Dr. Justin Ross on Mental Toughness, Psychological Skill-Building, and Confidence
The Strength Running Podcast
How to Build Mental Toughness?
"It's really important that there's a clear story that you're embedding about the process," he says. "That's how when you get to mile 20 of a marathon, you have all these resources to feel naturally confident and self-efficacious"
Dr. Justin Ross is a clinical psychologist and the Director of Workplace Wellbeing at the University of Colorado Health Hospital. He is also a competitive athlete, having qualified for the Boston Marathon 6 times. Dr. Ross has also competed in two Ironman 70.3 distance races, and recently completed the Leadville 100-mile mountain bike race.
Our discussion today focuses on the essential components of mental toughness, and is full of practical advice that you can use in your own training:
- The varying definitions of mental toughness
- What doesn't work: classic mistakes athletes make when trying to become mentally tough
- Learning how to normalize the voice of doubt we all face
- What is attentional control and how can we use it for more focused workouts?
- How do our daily experiences contribute to mental toughness?
- Do non-sport specific activities (like ice baths) build mental toughness?
Mental training is such an important component of finding success as an endurance athlete. I hope our conversation can help you take your training to the next level!
Links & Resources from the Show:
- Learn more our Dr. Ross and Connect with him on LinkedIn
- Check out Dr. Ross’ Performance Psychology plans on Training Peaks and Final Surge, and save 10% with code Performance10
- Learn how to build confidence and mental toughness
- Listen to my previous conversation with Dr. Ross in episode 122
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