Interesting topic. I've never written on myself, but I always think "Let's see what's possible". Is it possible to come out of the water feeling good about the swim? is it possible to maintain my target speed on the bike? Is it possible to negative split the run? I'm almost always surprised by what I learn is possible!
Phat - you might like the info below. Research
(reported in the NY Times
) indicates that telling yourself during exercise
(called "motivational self talk"
) that you’re not as tired as you think you are could make that statement true:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/keep-repeating-this-workou...
Here is the original report and summary
(which I condensed a bit for the non-scientists
):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24121242
PURPOSE:
The psychobiological model of endurance performance proposes that perception of effort is the ultimate determinant of endurance performance. Therefore, any physiological or psychological factor affecting perception of effort will affect endurance performance. Accordingly this novel study investigated the effects of a frequently used psychological strategy, motivational self-talk
(ST
), on rating of perceived exertion
(RPE
) and endurance performance.
METHODS:
In a randomized between groups pre-test - post-test design, 24 participants performed two constant-load
(80% peak power output
) cycling time to exhaustion tests
(TTE
), punctuated by a two week ST intervention or a control phase.
CONCLUSION:
This study is the first to demonstrate that ST significantly reduces RPE and enhances endurance performance. The findings support the psychobiological model of endurance performance and illustrate that psychobiological interventions designed to specifically target favorable changes in perception of effort are beneficial to endurance performance. Consequently this psychobiological model offers an important and novel perspective for future research investigations.
- Kerry