Thanks to my guests, sponsors and audience who made the "Gift of Fear" a magical night. See you November 16 for "An Attitude of Gratitude." Purchase tickets on the Hart to Heart Talk Show website.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
First Hart to Heart Talk Show a Sell-Out
Thanks to my guests, sponsors and audience who made the "Gift of Fear" a magical night. See you November 16 for "An Attitude of Gratitude." Purchase tickets on the Hart to Heart Talk Show website.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
To the reader from Triathlon Life Magazine
I accidently deleted an e-mail from an injured reader who responded to my article yesterday. Please accept my apologies and contact me again. I would like to discuss some strategies and suggest a particular book.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
45th MARATHON with THE TRAINING STUDIO
This is the "Great Lakes" Marathon summer! After April's Duathlon Nationals in VA I returned to marathoning, which has always brought me joy. I ran the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse Bay, MI on May 23rd--- along Lake Michigan. On June 20th, I ran my 44th marathon---the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN, winding along Lake Superior. I try to keep water in the scenery! On November 1, I am running the Marshall University Marathon in WV which finishes on the "We Are Marshall" football field. I watched the movie while riding my spin bike last week and cried through the whole thing! Dale Benedict (The Training Studio) is taking a group of runners that he has been training to this marathon, as well as several other fall marathons. On Saturday, I joined the group for the scheduled long run. I admit that though I was leary of the "walk break technique" they implement each mile, I am now a convert! Today, after my 20-miler, I feel fresh and energized. If you have ever wanted to run your first marathon or wish to improve a previous time, I highly recommend the Training Studio for realizing your potential. Best of all, the runs are well-organized with pace groups, water stops, and fun people. Contact: dale@thetrainingstudio.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Hart to Heart Talk Show Series
Save the dates. For details & Ticket sales visit harttohearttalk.com Audience will be limited to the first 135 who buy tickets.
All shows are on Monday nights from 7- 8 p.m.
October 19: "The Gift of Fear" Based on Gavin de Becker's book, you will learn how to recognize the warning signs and rely on your intuition to determine if someone poses a danger to you. My guests (one was on Oprah with de Becker) were both attacked and will share their stories of what occured, and every member of the audience will get a copy of the book.)
November 16: "An Attitude of Gratitude" (The psychology of gratitude---an essential component of happiness)
December 14: "What's On YOUR Bucket List?" (What are you waiting for? This show will encourage the audience to live each day fully as if it were your last and to embrace your dreams NOW.)
All shows are on Monday nights from 7- 8 p.m.
October 19: "The Gift of Fear" Based on Gavin de Becker's book, you will learn how to recognize the warning signs and rely on your intuition to determine if someone poses a danger to you. My guests (one was on Oprah with de Becker) were both attacked and will share their stories of what occured, and every member of the audience will get a copy of the book.)
November 16: "An Attitude of Gratitude" (The psychology of gratitude---an essential component of happiness)
December 14: "What's On YOUR Bucket List?" (What are you waiting for? This show will encourage the audience to live each day fully as if it were your last and to embrace your dreams NOW.)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Majoraca, Spain Tri Camp: March 2010
Sports Tours International has teamed up with legendary triathlon coach Joe Friel and TrainingBible.com to offer a camp specifically for middle and long distance triathletes.
This one week camp (March 19-26, 2010) offers participants the perfect opportunity to prepare with one of the leading coaches in the triathlon and cycling world. The camp will take place at Club Pollentia in sunny Majorca. Places will be strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. http://www.trainingbible.com
This one week camp (March 19-26, 2010) offers participants the perfect opportunity to prepare with one of the leading coaches in the triathlon and cycling world. The camp will take place at Club Pollentia in sunny Majorca. Places will be strictly limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. http://www.trainingbible.com
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Cheryl's USA Triathlon Life Magazine Article
In the recent summer issue, I address how athletes can mentally "push through the veil of discomfort." See article below. Links to previous my articles and webinars will be available soon.
“And he decided that pain was no valid reason for stopping.” --- Atlas Shrugged
Marathoners describe hitting the wall. Cyclists recount how “the man with the hammer” got them. Many athletes have talent, but not all athletes have the ability to break through the pain barrier. This comes from many hours of training both physically and mentally. The most successful athletes use their minds as allies instead of obstacles.
Last week, one of my clients became concerned in the days leading up to his marathon. “My biggest fear is that I will tank and be struggling to even do 10-minute miles those last several miles, and telling myself that I’m not strong enough,” he said. The first half of the race will be fun and exciting. I will just kind of trot along, thinking about my form, and enjoying the view. But when I start to hurt around the 18-mile mark and beyond, what should I focus on?”
First remember that the proverbial brick wall is really self-doubt. Experience tells athletes what to do and confidence allows them to do it. Confidence is knowing you are mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared so that on race day you can do battle with everything you have. In “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” Don Millman says that “any obstructions you have ever encountered or may ever encounter are the direct result of insufficient or improper preparation.” Almost every difficulty we face can be linked to skipping essential training steps in the past—to a weakness in our foundation.
As we grow weary, war erupts in our mind. The left and right brain hemispheres debate the merits and ridiculousness of this event. The left, logical side insists tentative rewards are not worth the hazards, spotlighting the physical warnings. The creative, image-oriented right side applauds undaunted efforts, spurred forward with visions of the finish banner, cheering spectators and the afterglow of pride.
Before confronting the enemies (pain and self-doubt), I recommend preparing a mental arsenal full of weapons to be used when needed. This should include motivational quotes and music, pictures of inspiring people or places, movie clips from your best previous performances, and vivid images of a strong, successful finish.
Don’t turn your fears into reality by assuming that pain is a given in every race. For instance, many athletes begin looking for the infamous wall at mile 22. This becomes a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. The truth is that many personal bests are set effortlessly by athletes who describe that magical feeling of performing in “the zone.”
Pushing through physical and mental limitations takes time and persistence. It doesn’t magically happen overnight. If realistic and gradual demands are placed on the body it will adapt. Likewise, if the mind is given progressive challenges, it develops in strength. Expand your comfort zone. Learn how to push through the veil of discomfort. Lou Piniella said, “You have to learn how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Q: When I don’t think my body can handle the pain and I want to just quit, how do I tough it out?
A: Try not to resist the discomfort, but reframe and redefine what you are experiencing. When you’re running on empty and your quads are screaming, consider these “growing pains” as you are stretched toward your full potential. Instead of focusing on pain that won’t be ending anytime soon, remember the discomfort is temporary. Break challenges into manageable increments. All-out effort speed and hill workouts are ideal for simulating race day. Pay attention to breathing. Breath control is a key factor of emotional control and therefore performance control.
Q: I understand that self-talk plays a big role in successful performances. What can I tell myself those last grueling four or five miles so that I maintain pace?
A: Concentrating fully on one thing doesn’t leave much room for anything else so concentrate on positive mantras. Some of my favorites are: “Pain is just weakness leaving your body”, “That which does not kill us, makes us strong”, “Narrow the gap between what you are and what you want to be”, and “The greatest victory is the victory over ourselves. Remember it’s always too soon to quit.”
Postscript: My client (whose previous best marathon was 4:20) finished the Lincoln Marathon in 3:45, far exceeding his goal to break four hours. Congratulations, Don Mares!
“And he decided that pain was no valid reason for stopping.” --- Atlas Shrugged
Marathoners describe hitting the wall. Cyclists recount how “the man with the hammer” got them. Many athletes have talent, but not all athletes have the ability to break through the pain barrier. This comes from many hours of training both physically and mentally. The most successful athletes use their minds as allies instead of obstacles.
Last week, one of my clients became concerned in the days leading up to his marathon. “My biggest fear is that I will tank and be struggling to even do 10-minute miles those last several miles, and telling myself that I’m not strong enough,” he said. The first half of the race will be fun and exciting. I will just kind of trot along, thinking about my form, and enjoying the view. But when I start to hurt around the 18-mile mark and beyond, what should I focus on?”
First remember that the proverbial brick wall is really self-doubt. Experience tells athletes what to do and confidence allows them to do it. Confidence is knowing you are mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared so that on race day you can do battle with everything you have. In “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” Don Millman says that “any obstructions you have ever encountered or may ever encounter are the direct result of insufficient or improper preparation.” Almost every difficulty we face can be linked to skipping essential training steps in the past—to a weakness in our foundation.
As we grow weary, war erupts in our mind. The left and right brain hemispheres debate the merits and ridiculousness of this event. The left, logical side insists tentative rewards are not worth the hazards, spotlighting the physical warnings. The creative, image-oriented right side applauds undaunted efforts, spurred forward with visions of the finish banner, cheering spectators and the afterglow of pride.
Before confronting the enemies (pain and self-doubt), I recommend preparing a mental arsenal full of weapons to be used when needed. This should include motivational quotes and music, pictures of inspiring people or places, movie clips from your best previous performances, and vivid images of a strong, successful finish.
Don’t turn your fears into reality by assuming that pain is a given in every race. For instance, many athletes begin looking for the infamous wall at mile 22. This becomes a negative self-fulfilling prophecy. The truth is that many personal bests are set effortlessly by athletes who describe that magical feeling of performing in “the zone.”
Pushing through physical and mental limitations takes time and persistence. It doesn’t magically happen overnight. If realistic and gradual demands are placed on the body it will adapt. Likewise, if the mind is given progressive challenges, it develops in strength. Expand your comfort zone. Learn how to push through the veil of discomfort. Lou Piniella said, “You have to learn how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Q: When I don’t think my body can handle the pain and I want to just quit, how do I tough it out?
A: Try not to resist the discomfort, but reframe and redefine what you are experiencing. When you’re running on empty and your quads are screaming, consider these “growing pains” as you are stretched toward your full potential. Instead of focusing on pain that won’t be ending anytime soon, remember the discomfort is temporary. Break challenges into manageable increments. All-out effort speed and hill workouts are ideal for simulating race day. Pay attention to breathing. Breath control is a key factor of emotional control and therefore performance control.
Q: I understand that self-talk plays a big role in successful performances. What can I tell myself those last grueling four or five miles so that I maintain pace?
A: Concentrating fully on one thing doesn’t leave much room for anything else so concentrate on positive mantras. Some of my favorites are: “Pain is just weakness leaving your body”, “That which does not kill us, makes us strong”, “Narrow the gap between what you are and what you want to be”, and “The greatest victory is the victory over ourselves. Remember it’s always too soon to quit.”
Postscript: My client (whose previous best marathon was 4:20) finished the Lincoln Marathon in 3:45, far exceeding his goal to break four hours. Congratulations, Don Mares!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Cheryl joins Joe Friel's Training Bible Program Consultant Team
Cheryl Hart is a Sports Psychology consultant. Her focus is on positive thinking and mental techniques for reaching goals. The proper mind set is essential to peak performance. Peak performance consulting provides athletes with the best chance for reaching full potential in sports and life.
John Post, MD is a Virginia based Orthopedic Surgeon with 26 years of Ironman experience who brings 6 trips across the finish line in Kona to the training table. He has treated and operated on thousands of athletically injured patients making him uniquely suited for the musculoskeletal issues of the endurance athlete. Be sure to check out his blog.
Kelly Cawthorn is a Registered Dietitian specializing in paleolithic nutrition for athletes. Her passion lies in helping people reach their personal goals through nutrition – whether that goal is to optimize athletic performance, achieve weight loss, or general well-being.
John Post, MD is a Virginia based Orthopedic Surgeon with 26 years of Ironman experience who brings 6 trips across the finish line in Kona to the training table. He has treated and operated on thousands of athletically injured patients making him uniquely suited for the musculoskeletal issues of the endurance athlete. Be sure to check out his blog.
Kelly Cawthorn is a Registered Dietitian specializing in paleolithic nutrition for athletes. Her passion lies in helping people reach their personal goals through nutrition – whether that goal is to optimize athletic performance, achieve weight loss, or general well-being.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Resilency & Mental Toughness
How well do YOU handle adversity?Join us Friday, February 27, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
University of Louisville: Strickler Auditorium 102
as PAUL ERWAY, Wheelchair Marathoner shares words of inspiration & lessons on courage, faith, & resiliency.
Followed by Cheryl Hart, Sport Psychology Consultant
“What Is This Thing Called Mental Toughness?”
Sponsored by the HSS Department, University of Louisville
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