Clever Training Blog MUSINGS ON MULTISPORT 05.14.2021

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! With racing starting to return, its important to pay attention to your mental health as well as your physical health. Sports Psychologist Addie Bracy gives us some mental health tips to consider when returning to racing in 2021. Plus don't miss your chance to save 20% off all Oakley eyewear with code OAK20CJ now through 5/24/2021.By Brian MetzlerMENTAL HEALTH TIPS FOR ATHLETESFor a lot of us, training has been kind of a saving grace amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic that has rocked the world for the past 14 months. Not only did longtime athletes hit the roads, trails and tracks with more frequency last year, but scores of new athletes joined the movement, if for no other reason, there wasn't much else to do and it was a good way to relief stress."One thing I have been so appreciative over the past year is that running is still accessible, especially compared to a lot of other sports," says Addie Bracy, a Denver-based licensed sports psychologist, Nike-sponsored trail runner and running coach. "Gyms have been closed and pools have been closed, but running is still something we could do during the pandemic and do it safely and solitarily."With most races and group workouts canceled or postponed since mid-March of 2020, athletes were left to their own devices for training, exploring new trails and, in some cases, chasing Fastest Known Time efforts. But with races and group runs starting to reappear this spring and the prospect for more returning by late summer and early fall, many athletes are getting back to training for 5Ks, marathons and multi-sport events or are eager to sign up for races for the first time.That comes with a wonderful sense of relief and an exciting sense or eagerness, but there are some precautions to consider, no matter if you're a newbie or lifelong endurance fiend, Bracy says."One thing I have seen with a lot of people, and also with myself, is that my first race back didn't go very well," Bracy says. "Whether you're an elite runner or if you're someone who competes for fun but takes it seriously, there is a tendency to think that you can just pick up where you left off. But we're not existing in the same reality anymore. Our reference points have changed, and I wish I would have that as part of my thought process going into my first race of the year." Bracy suggests taking a bit of a step back and earnestly assessing your fitness and goals with a new perspective before jumping into a race. That starts with understanding how life, your fitness and your physique has changed over the past year and determining what you need to do to approach your new races goals. It might also incorporate what work or family changes you've experienced so you can understand when and how you'll fit your training in.Bracy suggests carefully selecting a race so you'll have enough time to train, then being intentional with your training - no matter if you want to run a fast tie or just finish. Getting friends or training partners to enter the same race with you can add a communal sense of purpose and accountability, even as you pursue your own individual goals. Hiring a coach can help you through the unforeseen challenges that will arise as you whip your body into shape for the first time in a while or perhaps the first time ever.But more than anything else, go easy on yourself and enjoy it, Bracy says."Go in with an open mind, use it for good and appreciate the experience and appreciate the opportunity, but resist the urge to think you're just going to pick up where you left off," she says. "Be realistic in your approach. Try not to compare it to your past experiences or even your last race pre-Covid to determine whether or not your new experience is successful."That's all great advice if you're interested in running a 10K or half marathon, but that's especially crucial if you're planning to run a marathon or long distance triathlete. A lot of athletes have such pent-up excitement for training that they're eager to tackle a new goal such as a big trail run in the mountains or IRONMAN event. Bracy knows all about that, given that she made the transition from an accomplished road runner and track athlete to a trail runner in 2016 - and discovered many challenges before reaching success. She went on to become a two-time U.S. Mountain Running champion and claim numerous podium finishes at big trail races, including a runner-up showing at the 2018 Leadville 100 in Colorado. Bracy called upon her professional and athletic experiences to write "Mental Training for Ultrarunning: Your Psychological Skills Guidebook for Ultra Success," which is available for pre-sale now and debuts at bookstores in June."When I think back to myself making that transition, mentorship and learning from other people was crucial," Bracy says. "I tried to do it on my own at first, perhaps for a lack of wanting to ask for help or thinking that I could figure out this new space on my own or thinking that it can't possibly be that different. But it's a different sport than road running and doing half marathons and marathons."My biggest advice to anyone is always to find some actual resources in your area and learn from someone. The moment I started running with Abby Hall and Clare Gallagher and learning from others who had been in the sport before me, my growth became exponential."The bottom line for any athlete with any goal, though, is to have fun and enjoy it for the health and wellness it brings, Bracy says. Engaging with friends and local training groups - either at retail stores or local clubs - can be a good way to extend that well-being, but so can moments of simply being present and appreciating the simple movements of exercise or the things you see during a workout."A lot of people that were already runners have been struggling with the lack of community and interaction since that plays a big role for a lot of people as well," Bracy says. "Running should never be a replacement for therapy but it seems to be a good coping skill."LIMITED TIME OFFER