Our winter training tips begin with meditating. Meditating can be a very strong component when it comes down to training. In fact, winter is probably the best season to start practicing.
As an athlete, the mind is one of the most powerful muscles when it comes to performance. However, it can be one of the most neglected muscles. Meditating for triathlon during the winter months could be the missing link to achieving positive results in the next season.
The mind is our central computer. It is the computer that basically controls our body. Not to mention, if we listen close enough, it will reveal our stress levels or when fight or flight kicks in. By paying close enough attention to the mind we can keep our cortisol levels down and enhance performance with meditation.
Athletes who Meditate
Lebron James Lebron Meditates on and off the court. This recognized NBA athlete will meditate on the side of the court to gain mental focus and clarity. He did this during the 2012 playoffs and it got people talking.
Rich Roll This ultra-endurance athlete definitely is a poster child for Meditating for triathlon. He is known to meditate daily and usually first thing after waking up. He definitely promotes meditation through example. Find his podcast here.
Meditating for Triathlon, Just Start Meditating
Meditation for many is a tough one to keep up. It's not easy to sit still and close your eyes. Not to mention, face our thoughts and relentless chatter that often screeches in our heads like chalk on a chalkboard. As a matter of fact, we often need a guide to help us get going. I turn to YouTube or a mobile app to help me get started or at least i can take my training wheels off.
I'm incredibly cheap and hate the idea of paying for apps or monthly subscriptions. So use what you think you will get out of these services until it can get you going on your own. I find I can use them whenever I feel a need to sit a take a chill pill.
Meditation in sport is not only helpful for performance, but can also aid athletes who experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses. The practice can help athletes through injury, as well as overcome challenges such as the transition back into sport or out of sport (e.g., retirement)." Kristin Keim of HeadSpace
Meditation is said to give us the ability to tackle the winter months. For many athletes, winter can be debilitating. with it cold and wet it makes it harder to get outside. The gym is not many peoples fave place to be in the winter either. Learning to sit still and be calm amongst an emotional storm can have its payouts. Most importantly on race day or finding your way out of a bad race.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Health found that those who practice meditation experience fewer acute respiratory infections, as well as a shortened duration and severity of symptoms from the common cold. Therefore, meditation aids in improving the quality/length of sleep and the immune system. Kristin Keim of HeadSpace
The winter is challenging for us with sicknesses floating around. Meditating helps keep stress at bay so, possibly in turn it can help with our immune system.
A Mindful Conclusion
Maintaining a state of mindfulness can be a blessing to anyone on an athletic journey. It is incredibly hard to maintain but constantly reminding yourself to stop and breathe will give you an edge. Especially with our busy schedules. Everyone has their own blueprint to health and we are just offering tips to help any athlete get through the winter months.
In fact, take a moment when next the rain falls and close your eyes, breathe and listen to the sounds. That alone is enough to reset the system. Good luck and feel free to let us know your winter training tips on Facebook and Instagram.
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