I got these today in email from the very fabulous Rocktape company and I love them so much I might have to have them made into a big poster to put on my wall. Thanks Rocktape!
1) Two Minute Rule. Don’t get scared by the seven-syllable word in this tip…but physiologically, several changes take place in your body during the first 120 seconds of exercise. Namely, at about that 2 minute mark, your cells begin to more easily utilize oxygen as a fuel, muscle temperature begins to rise, and exercise suddenly becomes easier.
2) Use Irrational Psychology. This is a powerful trick for triathlon motivation, and involves affecting the appeal of one workout choice by comparing it to other choices. Here are some examples. Say it’s time for a 90 minute hard cycling session, and you just don’t have the triathlon motivation to get on your bike and head out. So give yourself three choices, and make two of those choices more unpleasant: Choice #1 – go on a 5 hour easy bike ride; Choice #2 – Do a 90 minute interval run on a treadmill instead; Choice #3 – do your 90 minute bike ride. The 90 minute bike ride suddenly seems relatively not all that bad.
3) Use Very Small Goals. In the middle of a race and feel like giving up? This trick works very well. Tell yourself that you’re going to take just 200 more steps, or 100 more pedal strokes, or get to one more buoy. Promise yourself that at that point you can either A) stop or B) keep going. By giving your brain the reward of having completed a small, intermediate goal, there is a slight infusion of dopamine that occurs which drives you to keep going when you get to that point.
4) Use Extrinsic Motivation. Humans have an innate desire to be accepted, and an innate detest for being rejected. We internally fear being judged by our failures, and crave to be accepted for delivering on our promises. Here’s how to use this principle for triathlon motivation: the next time you’re waffling on a workout, go to Facebook, go to Twitter, go to your blog, or call your best friend or spouse and tell them, “I’m just about to go to workout ______ (you fill in the blanks) Should be fun!”. This tiny social expression will instantly give you a powerful urge to deliver on your promises.
5) Re-Train Your Brain. There is a big difference between wanting something and being prepared to receive it. In other words, it’s not enough to have triathlon motivation goals and want to achieve them. Instead, you must actually train your subconscious to realistically see yourself achieving your goals.
ps- don’t forget to check out my fund raiser with drawing for cool stuff! 1 of the items in the prize basket can not be gotten any other way! Don’t miss out on a five dollar chance on getting a very rare, sold out Chico Bag from the inaugural Levi Leipheimer Gran Fondo!!
21st-century-mom.com 
do you use the rock tape? i still have issues with my left wrist from where I fell the very first time on my bike. It’s not too painful, just REALLY annoying.
I haven’t used it but I know people who do and they swear by it. If my ITB/knee thing continues to bother me I will become a regular customer, for sure.
I love the Rocktape folks! Great product and great tips! 🙂
You’re so right – these are fabulous. I especially like No. 5 and got the willies realizing the truth in No. 1.
Thank you for the great positive comments about ROCKTAPE! 🙂 I love it too. Shoot me your mailing address at scott@rocktape.com and I’ll send you some ROCKTAPE to try out.
Kinesio tape stays on longer…even when swimming.
Have tried both. The Rock Tape at least comes with instructions and in fun prints if you aren’t worried about getting it wet. But think sweat too…
These “tips” are interesting…but really nothing “new” here.
Great list. #4 is why I started blogging.
Hello. Fe-lady, and others, make sure when applying any kinesiology tape (including ROCKTAPE) that you are applying it to smooth dry skin for best results. Also, apply it at least an hour before warming-up so the adhesive has time to set. We had athletes crossing the finish line with their ROCKTAPE fully intact through Kona Ironman this year, so we’re confident it will stay when swimming. Thanks! scott@rocktape.com
Thank you now I know Rocktape too. Before internet, garmin, i-pod and all these stuff we had only the logbook! Mmmm I am getting old if I remember this…
I do #3 A LOT!! Good tips!
Uh, I kind of tagged you. [sheepish grin]
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