Not sure where to put this, but it's a pretty good read:

Athlete’s mental toughness as important as physical strength, say sport psychologists | The University of Texas at Austin

Thanks ILM! Thats a FANTASTIC read!

Good read ILM, I've heard pro footballers use that phrase a lot. Thanks

I'm glad you both enjoyed reading the article!

A lot of people tend to focus so much on the physical aspects when they are training that they forget how important mental strength is, so I thought it would be a good idea to post this.

If you've trained for something well then at your event its like 90% mental. Visualizing is huge. Its funny you posted this because the day before I read this I just emailed this huge pep talk to a running friend who is doing the same marathon I am. I had read things she'd posted on her blog that were negative and full of self-doubt. I know how hard she has trained so I had to give her a positive, yet firm kick in the butt. A lot of what I told her had to do with this "mental toughness" aspect and that she needs to be VISUALIZING herself in every part of that race NOW, and daily.

Anyway, great timing I sent it to her as well.

That's awesome, Sparrow!!! That really makes my day!

Seems like one of the researchers might want to try to get some first hand experience.

TOTALLY!

in skydiving we call it "the bend"

few have it. It is in accepting fully the consequences of ANY outcome.

applied to athletics-- try this mentality - "ok, let's see what breaks first" and relax.... seldom will any body part give out on it's own. It is when I think "kneee" that knee becomes the issue, etc.

For me- I have performances well beyond my physical ability due to "mentals"

Good article. BUT- I do like articles written from experience better than ones written from "perceived understanding." But- that's just me.

good read.

HAHAHA yeah, totally.

I want my 1 hour back... I am a slow reader.

JK, information stuff that reinforces fundamental concepts.

The article was all well and good, but I don't think we needed a whole bout of research dedicated to something we already knew... mind over matter .

Though it reminds of all the "superman" effect experiences, such as a woman lifting part of a car to save her child (and destroying her body in the act) and all that.

I am actually excited that you shared that article with the community...it is very common to find exercise and body building enthusiasts with mental distress and sometimes is just pure social stress.

I actually have a degree in psychology and when I practiced I a few body builders as patients.