Fast Talk 336: How to Train Perceived Exertion and Go Harder
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Sep 12, 2024 
Dr. Scott Frey, a specialist in perceived exertion, joins cycling commentator Brent Bookwalter in a fascinating discussion about the mental aspects of athletic performance. They explore how our brains perceive effort and how to manipulate this perception for improved endurance. The conversation dives into Project Tailwind, focusing on mental training for amateur athletes, and emphasizes the importance of mental resilience alongside physical training. They also touch on cognitive load, self-efficacy, and how these elements can push athletes beyond their limits.
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Brain As Protective Governor
- The brain's prime job is to keep you alive, so it will limit performance to protect you.
- Perceived exertion is the brain's protective signal that often stops you short of physiological limits.
Sprint At The Finish Line
- Athletes often sprint at the end of ultra events despite claiming they were at their limit.
- Seeing the finish line overrides the brain's earlier protective braking.
Perception Is Prediction Plus Sensation
- Perceived exertion blends incoming body signals with cognitive interpretations and expectations.
- Past experiences and future predictions strongly shape how hard an effort feels.