by Wes Hobson
Mental visualization is something to be done year round and not just the week or day before an event. Some of you
have probably never tried it. I have begun counting visualization time as training time with my athletes. Studies
have shown that visualization can increase performance by 16 percent. You can visualize both internally, as if you
are performing the action, or you can visualize externally whereas you watch yourself performing. Some athletes
are more successful viewing one way than the other.
What does visualization do? It provides muscle memory. The more you visualize, the more your body actually thinks
it is doing the effort. It provides a blueprint for you to follow. If you visualize being calm, feeling strong and
your form is excellent, then you have the race mapped out before it begins. The more you visualize, the clearer the
picture becomes. You can visualize controlling the race by "directing" what movements you want. This is good for
perceiving yourself performing perfectly-as well as visualizing problems during your race and correcting them. Examples
are fixing a flat tire calmly or feeling stronger after taking energy supplements when a bonk occurs.
Visualization provides the response on race day. If you visualize in a positive way (negative visualization can negatively
affect performance) and you are physically prepared, come race day you will be on "automatic pilot" for a great
performance. You have dedicated a lot of time physically preparing for a race. Mental preparation, often neglected, can
improve your performance even more.
Wes Hobson has competed in over 220 triathlons, from sprint- to Ironman-distance. He garnered 35 first places, 60
top-three finishes and 96 top-five finishes during his 12-year professional career that also included being selected
"Triathlete of the Year" by the USOC. Wes co-authored Swim, Bike, Run, and created three triathlon and cycling related
films. Wes coaches multisport athletes and single-sport athletes.