SportsPsychologist.com Blog by Dr Victor Thompson

Reviewing your performance is important. This can be comprehensive and complex – but that is likely to put most athletes off from doing it, as it becomes too cumbersome and a pain. Instead as yourself these brief questions now that the dust has settled after your event: What went well that you’d want to do again or learn from? There will be plenty, so make sure you extract this. What didn’t go so well, that you’d want to change? There will be some negatives or learning points. Look at these dispassionately. Okay, so how will you modify your training and events in the future to repeat the good and address the not-so-good? Review – learn – move on – improve Victor Dr Victor Thompson www.sportspsychologist.com

Recently, I was asked on the Runners World Forum, for 1 piece of advice for marathon day. Wow, what a question! My one piece of advice is to use a calm, helpful, directive, positive inner voice or self-talk. I liken this to the perfect coach. He or she who knows exactly what to say to you at any time to keep you going, running well, enjoying the challenge, soaking up the experience, making the most from the event. Be good to yourself, have a good event. Victor Dr Victor Thompson www.sportspsychologist.com