In February 2023 I toed the line at one of the most challenging trail ultras in Australia – 100k of gnarly, technical terrain in the Victorian High Country with over 5,000m of elevation.
Getting me through this race I relied on a lot of things – my physical training, my gear and fuelling strategy., and support at aid stations. But the biggest factor; the one that made the biggest difference between me finishing, and not, was my mindset:
- How to break down a big chunky goal into approachable pieces, and to only focus on the current bit
- Telling myself the best possible version of a realistic story about what was happening, and what was possible
- Not waiting to feel good to start, but acknowledging that sometimes the momentum of just starting will make me feel better.
While this mindset has been something I’ve worked hard to cultivate in myself, it also wouldn’t have been possible without the coaching I’ve received. Along with the physical training, the mindset aspect of my success has been due to my coach’s wise words, forcing me to consider issues and challenges from a different perspective.
The other value of having a coach has been keeping me accountable – sometimes I really didn’t feel like doing the hard, long sessions I knew were necessary. But my coach kept my commitment to the race, and to my desire to get the best out of myself, front and centre.
All this came together in ways I’d never thought possible (and you can read more about my race here).
I think many of the values and principles of athletic coaching are transferable to everyday workplace performance – overcoming our perceived limits, breaking down tasks and using progress to build momentum – and I’d love to help you achieve your potential (and don’t worry, I won’t make you run an ultra to find the answer)
Book a free 30 minute session via my website to uncover more about how my coaching can help you achieve amazing things.