Music
Finally, music should be considered as option for establishing a focal point. Many athletes find power in music, as evidenced by the number of people who exercise with headphones. Of course, in a triathlon, wearing an mp3 player is off-limits, for safety reasons. Nevertheless, the brain is powerful and athletes should have little difficulty pulling from their own inner archives to create a “playlist.” World famous marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, who recently attempted a swim from Cuba to Florida, has spoken extensively of how she may sing a song in her head literally thousands of times while swimming for hours (or even days). If an athlete can find a line that rhymes or has the right emotional effect, then songs can work wonders as mantras. Even a musical phrase without the lyrics can serve as an effective focal point.
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Try it in Training
Any of these options can provide an effective focal point, but you have to find a mantra that is personalized and meaningful to you. Practice using your mantra in workouts, so that on race day you have a tool that you know will help you keep your attitude positive all the way through to the finish line, just like a champion.
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