How does an athlete maintain high concentration even when the goals he had set for himself are changed or distorted? The world of cycling is increasingly pushed to the limit, both from a technical and human point of view.Runners are called to always be present, and this is not easy, also because it is important to remember that behind every athlete there is a human being, with his own frailties and weaknesses. Elizabeth Borgia sports psychologist who collaborates with the Federation and the team Trek-Segafredo accompanies us on the great journey of goals.
We are contacting Dr. Borgia, who is currently traveling to Prague. Her destination is a sports conference, to which she was invited as a speaker to talk about post-injury recovery.The traffic gives her no respite, so we keep her company in the chaotic traffic jam of the Milanese hinterland.
Definition of objective
First of all, before talking about objectives related to the world of sport, in particular cycling, it is it is essential to determine what they are.
"The goal," the doctor explains, "according to the sports psychology manual is linked to finding my best expression. They are not directly linked to victory, thinking only about the result does not allow you to approach it by structuring a pathThe athlete's thought must be, "I have to get to that race and I want to be the best I can be." From there, you start working backwards, starting with training and then moving forward with your mind. The goal turns into daily actions, which allow us to work at our best, staying connected to the present but looking to the future. "Where we want to go" must be broken down into small daily actions.
A defined path
Planning, as we've already understood from these few words from Elisabetta, is fundamental. What we need to understand, however, is that It's not just about athletic performance, but also about the mind.
"Goals," Borgia continues, "are the markers that keep us on track. They motivate us and give us peace of mind. Athletes need to receive checks during their preparation period, whether it's the results after a workout in the gym or the watts they need to produce. The key word is: schematize. We all need to be able to maintain control, no one is comfortable feeling like a flag in the wind. We feel good when we feel a responsibility towards the things we have to do.. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that we do not have control over everything; there is always an unpredictable part. The handbook should be: work, check, change and let go of what's wrong..
«All of us – he continues – but athletes in particular, are much more biased towards 'there's something wrong and I have to find a way to change it'. What we need to do, instead, is to accept as soon as possible what cannot be changed.Banging our heads against problems won't help us overcome them. Think of an injury that compromises a race that had been red-flagged. We need to accept as soon as possible that plan A has vanished. and veer towards the reserve one to continue doing your job to the best of your ability."
Reschedule
Being adaptable and flexible must be a characteristic of riders, not everyone is made the same way, there are those who suffer more and those, instead, are able to focus immediately on a new goal.
«This is part of my job – continues the doctor – reprogramming is something I do together with the athletes. The point is that the psychologist can help you, but up to a certain point: motivation is something that comes from within.It cannot be provided externally. Motivation is of two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. The first is linked to the passion and pleasure of doing something for its own sake. The second, extrinsic, is linked to ulterior motives, professional ones, and is therefore a lower form of motivation. A fundamental thing is also to work on the things that work, and not just on our limitationsDoing something we're good at is essential to not losing the right feeling.
«Another aspect not to be underestimated – concludes Elisabetta – is the cycle of guilt. Psychology says that if you want to have peaks you have to look for valleys.You can't always go at full speed. You have to find moments to unplug and rest. Redemption is a double-edged sword, and a very sharp one. Let's say a rider has finished a Tour of Italy a low-key course, a great desire for revenge will immediately arise within himBut if you don't give yourself the right amount of rest, even when things are going badly, you never recover and your mind becomes doubly tired. The advice is to create your own comfort zone, with trusted people who can act as a buffer and filter what comes your way.
