Mental Strength and Toughness

This morning I rode for about 60km on my custom-fitted bike. It was my first ride for a few weeks. Although I was not going particularly fast most of my journey, I felt good about my ride. I am assured that my well-adjusted bike fits my maladjusted personality. Elite Bicycles founder, David Greenfield did a spectacular job on my road bike.

I had spent my energy and focus on preparing and racing for the double-marathon. I did face some muscular weakness in my thighs, as I was still seven days into my recovery process. Sports medicine specialist, Dr Ben Tan of Changi Hospital advised me that I should not run for about two weeks before I resume my 3-month marathon cycle. I will be racing in the Berlin Marathon, and hope to qualify for Boston Marathon next year with a sub-3 hours and 20 minutes timing. According to my many informed sources, the racecourse is flat and the weather would be cold – useful for tropical runners. Shoes on, laced up high, orthotics inserted, and toes crossed.

As I rode, I looked at the riders across the long Coastal Road. Aside from the main fact that this road bordered the international airport, it was a favourite stretch of long road for serious riders and triathletes. I smiled to a few familiar faces as we past by each other. I suspected that some of them might be preparing for Ironman Switzerland, UK and Western Australia. It is a bit early to train seriously for the year-end IMWA in Busselton, but in the endurance game stamina and speed are worth investing in off-season.

Working through a long-term project can help you increase your mental strength. In the relative absence of your manager, you can engage your skills and capabilities as the second-in-charge. Recall the time when you had to fill in for a staff during a personal emergency you managed as best as you could, and perhaps more. Taking feedback from customers and colleagues can be very hard on one’s ego and self-esteem, yet you had to be open to criticism and accept it. Most professions involve mental strength and toughness; when engaged fully, values like tenacity, persistence, resilience, determination and patience augur well for the skillful professional.

Afterthoughts: Keep doing what you have been doing, and add the occasional challenge. Add more minutes, distance, weight (you need it for muscular power), or stress. You will adapt as long as you recover well. Train as you would for the race/event, and never change the plan (unless necessary).