doubtedly increase. But where do you start? Start by slowing down. In the same sense of the popular phrase of "slow is smooth and smooth is fast", slowing down the mind is essential to building a stronger mental game. Ryan Hughes likes to call this practice "working in". In a world where we are constantly mentally stim-ulated, it's hard to turn things off and leave yourself with your own thoughts. It is imperative to make this time for yourself. Even if it is only ten minutes from your day, take those ten minutes to practice some form of "working in".
Personally, I have been implementing daily yoga routines that I have been following online via ROMwod.com. As an athlete, this has helped immensely with flexibility to help with injury prevention, but equally provides a true opportunity to disconnect from distractions. Additionally, I have been starting my days with guided meditation via an audio app called Headspace. I have found that guided meditation has been the easiest way to keep my thoughts clear to focus on the different realms of my daily routines such as school, training, coaching and building for the days ahead. At first, I found these practices incredibly boring, but once I forced myself through the first few weeks of practice, I noticed a difference in my general demeanor.
In closing, the biggest hurdle to exercising mindset is consciously making the time for yourself on a consistent basis. Keep in mind that "working in" can be just as important as "working out". Find a practice to help you tune into yourself and develop a more positive mindset. Apply that mindset to your training. Apply it to your commute. Apply it to your gear prep. Apply it to your race day.
Harrison Schreiner is 23 years old from Newtown, CT. He has been racing and volunteering at NETRA events for over 15 years, and an active member in the Pathfinders MC. Harrison is a certified CrossFit Level 1 trainer of 4 years and coaches at CrossFit Redzone in Newtown, CT. Currently, he is pursuing his final semester towards a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Psychology from Western Connecticut State University. Following the close of this semester, Harrison will be beginning an internship with Peter Park of Platinum Fitness in Summerland, California, working with athletes such as Ken Roczen and Adam Cianciarulo.
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Harrison Schreiner
CrossFit Level 1
crossfitredzone.com
goodvibrationsoffroad.com
About the Author