Tag: performanceanxiety

Fear(less)

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As far as emotions go, fear has its uses. For example, if faced with the Zombie apocalypse, a certain amount of fear can be useful. Just the right amount of stimulation to the nervous system gets the adrenaline flowing, and can help to put the fight in the fight or flight response. But, too much fear can paralyze you – and BAM! Just like that, there goes your brains, a tasty treat for a rotting corpse. So, that’s one thing that triathlon and running have in common with the zombie apocalypse: In order to survive, you need to keep your head. …

Is your performance anxiety slowing you down?

9

As I stood on the beach, awaiting the start of Ironman Mont Tremblant, I was filled with nervous anxiety–more than I had ever felt before. I was about to race – truly race – this Ironman. While I put forth a good effort in my previous two ironmans, I cannot say honestly that I worked to the upper limit of my edge. I cannot say honestly that I raced them. I was filled with fear that I wouldn’t be able to hit my targets, that I would find out that I’m really not the athlete I want to be – that I thought I was. …