Preparing for the UTMB® of course involves physical training, but also mental preparation. This will be essential for tackling challenges and giving you the motivation and fighting spirit to reach your goals. It revolves around 3 key areas.
Setting goals
Setting goals is essential and will allow you to focus on concrete targets. This could be "finishing in any time", or setting a time goal. Either way, your goal must be concrete and realistic based on your level. It should occupy your thoughts during training and throughout the race.
Visualisation
It is important to build mental images where you see yourself in various situations: taking the start, finishing the race, passing certain checkpoints, facing certain difficulties, experiencing good sensations. These images or visual projections will help you take the pressure off the race and will serve as a resource when difficulties arise — you'll need to "replay" them during the race.
Countering negative thoughts
During your training sessions, you will inevitably have negative thoughts: it's too hard, I'm stopping, I'm going to quit, I won't last long… etc! Train yourself to counter them by thinking systematically and immediately in a positive way. This exercise during training will serve you during the race and allow you to call on these blocks against negative thoughts. To find out more:
