New Coaching Course

Well over the weekend I set to devising a new exciting Coaching Course which I will be revealing later this year. The Course will focus on some key Sports Psychology concepts, and effectively utilises them to enhance performance for teams and individuals. The course will be dynamic in nature, have a host of personalised tools and steps to help people focus on making a difference in their lives. Moe to follow on its release soon.

Compartmentalising Events

I have not posted for some time due to the pressures of University work and getting my Thesis proposal presentation together. Now I have to write it all up and submit it by next Monday, the proposal that is.
The time I have spent on the bike has allowed me some 'head space' to think about other topics, notably the Race Across America and the logistics and organisation of the team and crew. I have also been pondering the enormity of the task that awaits us in little over 140 days. That of cycling as a 4-man team from the west coast of the USA to the East Coast of the USA in under 9 days. So what is the most useful way of tackling a huge challenge psychologically.
Well I have used some tried and tested techniques to segment the race into various stages. I have noted the number of State boundaries that we will traverse, along with the major mountain ranges that we will cross. These major segments can then be broken down either by distance, landmarks, or projected time on the bike (although caution with this technique as it is basically setting an outcome goal, the non-achievement of which could lead to a dip in motivation especially when considered in the context of factors out of one's control such as head winds, driving rain, detours en route etc.
From that point I then break the sections down and give myself milestones, at which I will celebrate the success of having achieved it, and also put it firmly behind me and move on to the next event. In some cases I am considering the next event before achieving the current one!
Together with guided imagery the above can be extremely powerful in allowing you to create the images in one's mind to imagine overcoming the various hurdles that the RAAM will throw at us. More on imagery on the next blog. Til then, take care and here's to safe cycling on the slippy roads.

Inspirational Cycling Video

Turbo Training | Turbo Trainer Plan - 2 Hour Winter Pyramids

Turbo Training | Turbo Trainer Plan - 2 Hour Winter Pyramids
When Jack Frost is out, there is nothing for it especially as I don't have a Mountain Bike, except going into the garage to become re-acquainted with the turbo trainer. At least I have accurate power even if it is mind numbingly dull watching the brick wall!! So here goes!!

Bicycle Dreams - A Portrait of the World's Toughest Bike Race

"IADIP" - It's Another Day In Paradise

I have just finished watching Bicycle Dreams, a documentry about the Solo Bike Racers who competed in the 2005 Race Across America. Having recently been in dialogue with the Movie's Director, Stephen Auerbach, I felt compelled to write about the film.
Stephen and his team have done a magnificent job in capturing the true essence of what it takes to be true winner. I feel that all the riders who enter this gruelling event are heroes. Whilst the film is focusing on the Race itself, it is really about the people. I was completely engrossed in the film. The music is incredible and reflects the various stages, the transitions and the mood of that particular race. Stephen works his magic and one feels a real connection with each and every one of the competitors. There are successes throughout the race, and there are tragedies. I had tears of sadenss and tears of joy watching the film.

I feel that the movie should be compulsory viewing for all kids in schools for lots of reasons. It is an inspiration to all, and could be a true motivator. One gets a real insight into what it takes to be a solo rider in the world's toughest bike race. It reminds us how precious life is to each and every one of us, and how easily that can be taken so cruelly from us in the blink of an eye. I would like to dedicate this post to Bob Breedlove, who did not complete his journey in 2005. As Bob commented during the race, for him being on the bike was simply "another day in paradise". He was truly at one with the earth and the meaning of life.
I intend to use and cite several parts of the film in upcoming blogs and entries.
From a pure Sports Psychology perspective the riders effectively use sports psychological techniques to help them cope with the ups and downs during the race.

Mind Over Matter

Here is just a sample of what outstanding achievements are possible by putting your mind to any task. This is just one example of how Brian McKeever is able to "put his mind" to the task in hand and overcome whatever perceived obstacles may try and prevent him from being successful I feel that Brian's story is even more notable due to the fact that he has competed in both Paralympic and able-bodied races. And he has not won by a small margin either, in his recent races. He certainly is a talent to watch out for in Vancouver in 2010.
You may need to cut and paste this link into your browser to view it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/8428841.stm

The question is what is the key to his success? Clearly he is displaying what we Sports Psychologists call mental toughness, and also resilience. That is important to his success, but what has enabled him to get there? What has enabled Brian to cope with the changes in his life? What strategies have been facilitative in helping Brian think about success, despite his ailing eyesight? How has Brian's use of imagery helped him deal with restricted vision. What about the changes in skiing technique, how has the skill development been enhanced and/or impaired by the use of restricted vision. How does he control attention in a race. He must surely have a unique concentration ability to be able to fully focus on the race course and his guide, and block out other thoughts and inputs. How does Brian do this? In the field of applied sports psychology Brian's strategies could prove to be very informative, and potentially useful to both able- and adaptive athletes in their quest to be successful.