

057: Competing Under Pressure: Mind vs. Moment
Jun 18, 2025
Dive into the mental game of racing and discover how pressure can be both a foe and a friend. Learn techniques to combat performance anxiety, like box breathing, and hear personal stories that resonate with every competitor. Explore the intersection of gratitude, resilience, and the joys of the journey, while uncovering the psychological hurdles that come with high-stakes environments. This engaging discussion offers humor and insights that encourage a positive mindset, transforming not just your race day, but your approach to life's challenges.
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Avoid Pressure by Flexible Goals
- Avoid putting extra pressure on yourself with strict time goals in races.
- Being flexible with goals helps prevent choking and reduces stress.
Benâs Improved High Rocks Sim
- Ben shaved 14-15 minutes off his High Rocks sim time after pacing properly.
- Adding realistic simulation elements like extra running distance improved his training accuracy.
Pressure vs. Intrinsic Motivation
- Pressure to achieve arbitrary outcomes can cause athletes to choke on race day.
- Connecting to intrinsic reasons for competing helps reduce pressure and improve performance.