Mental Strategy for Competition

As common as peak and valleys are throughout an ultra, so too are normally fluctuating moods over the course of the race. A study just published on competitors in the Hardmoors 60, a 100km race in the UK found the variability of athlete’s Total Mood Disturbance (negative mood scores minus vigour) was significantly and positively correlated with completion time (Bergum, 2021). This finding underscores the fact that mood is an important factor determining race performance. 

We’re well aware ultrarunning requires phenomenal physical endurance, however research such as this highlights the need to address psychological factors to support our physical efforts and allow us the best chance to reach our objectives. Inadequately preparing to experience at least some of what are likely physically uncomfortable stretches, will undoubtedly lead to impaired performance.

While you meticulously plan out race tactics including pacing, nutrition, etc., heed attention to an equally important mental strategy that will arm you with a powerful tool to protect you from psychological pitfalls.