Triathlon Psychology: What Elite Athletes Know About Mental Training
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- Feb 2
- 18 min read
Triathletes rank among the most dedicated athletes in the world. Their life revolves around swimming, running, or cycling. This makes triathlon psychology a vital yet often overlooked part of performance . Athletes openly recognize its value, but the mental side of triathlon still takes a back seat to physical training .
Research reveals some interesting numbers. Positive emotions increase by a lot during training - jumping from 38.1 to 54.3 over six months . Triathletes show high levels of intrinsic motivation (15.9±1.76) while keeping external motivation low (4.9±1.08) . Mental strength becomes even more vital in events like IRONMAN. Athletes must complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon . Mental toughness matters just as much as physical preparation.
This piece dives into the mental training secrets of elite triathletes. We'll look at visualization techniques, self-talk strategies, and ways to handle pre-race jitters. Fear can create tension that hurts your rhythm, balance, and timing . Elite athletes know they must "see past their weaknesses and believe entirely in themselves" . These psychological strategies will build your mental strength. They work whether you're just starting out or getting ready for your next IRONMAN challenge.
The role of mental training in triathlon performance
Mental training is the hidden pillar of triathlon excellence that many overlook while focusing on physical conditioning. The mix of swimming, cycling, and running tests athletes' physical limits, but mental strength determines who succeeds when everyone is physically ready [1].
Why mental strength matters as much as physical strength
Scientists now recognize the power of mental training more than ever. Dr. Samuele Marcora's research shows that endurance fatigue comes from psychological suffering rather than physical events "below the neck" [2]. His experiments reveal that we slow down near race endings not from physical limits, but because the pain becomes too much to handle—our minds give up before our bodies do [2].
Mental toughness links strongly to athletic success and helps build confidence, focus, and resilience during competitions [2]. This explains why 82% of wrestling coaches see mental toughness as the key psychological trait for success in athletics [3].
Mental fatigue hits just as hard as physical exhaustion. Research shows it makes endurance performance worse and tasks feel much harder [3]. This fatigue affects key race-day skills including:
Decision-making under pressure: Choosing optimal pacing, nutrition timing, and race tactics
Focus maintenance: Keeping mental sharpness through hours of physical work
Emotional regulation: Handling frustration when unexpected challenges arise
Mental toughness isn't a trait you're born with—you can build it through proper training [1]. Just like your quadriceps need regular workouts, your mental strength needs consistent practice [2].
How elite triathletes approach mental preparation
Top triathletes treat mental preparation just as they do physical training. Four-time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington broke records thanks to both physical conditioning and careful mental preparation [3]. She believes that "all the physical strength in the world won't help you if your mind is not prepared" [4].
Champions blend mental training right into their physical workouts. Six-time World Champion Mark Allen says: "I trained my mental approach with just as much focus as my swim, bike, and run workouts—with that same specificity" [5]. He saw every training session as a chance to grow both physically and mentally [5].
Professional triathletes use several key mental training strategies:
Process-oriented focus: Champions focus on what they can control rather than just outcomes. Athletes who pay attention to steady swim technique perform better and stay motivated longer than those who only care about finish times [3].
Structured visualization: Elite triathletes practice race scenarios in their minds systematically. This method triggers the same brain regions used during actual performance [3]. They include multiple sensory details—sounds, feelings, even temperature—to create complete mental rehearsals [3].
Purposeful self-talk: Training positive self-talk during practice makes it automatic on race day. Negative thoughts like "I can't do this" become empowering statements like "Stay steady" or "I've trained for this" [1].
Research shows that mental toughness grows best through controlled exposure to challenges [3]. Many elite triathletes train in tough conditions because it builds both mental and physical strength.
Studies of amateur triathletes show psychological growth during training periods. A study found vigor scores rose from 21.4 to 28.1 over six months [6], showing how regular training builds both mental and physical strength.
Self-talk: Building your inner coach
Your inner voice can make or break your triathlon performance. The voice inside your head—what sports psychologists call "self-talk"—shapes how you think, feel, and perform during both training and racing [7]. This mental skill becomes especially significant when your body screams to slow down.
Instructional vs motivational self-talk
Sports psychologists have identified two main types of self-talk that serve different purposes in triathlon performance:
Instructional self-talk focuses on technique, form, and execution. These specific cues guide movement patterns and strategy [2]. Swimmers might repeat phrases like "maintain a long stroke" or "smooth breathing" to reinforce proper technique [8]. This type of self-talk helps with:
Technical aspects of performance
Form maintenance when fatigued
Execution of race strategy
Motivational self-talk centers on encouragement, effort, and confidence. These statements energize and inspire rather than direct [2]. Phrases like "you've got this" or "push through it" belong in this category [8]. Research shows motivational self-talk:
Increases effort and persistence
Improves self-confidence
Helps maintain energy levels
Research comparing these approaches revealed remarkable differences. Amateur triathletes using motivational self-talk improved their swim time by 2.8% while those using instructional self-talk showed no significant change [8] [8]. Both groups reported similar perceived exertion levels, suggesting motivational self-talk let athletes work harder without feeling extra strain [8].
How to use self-talk during transitions and tough moments
Transitions offer perfect opportunities to reset mentally through purposeful self-talk. After a challenging swim or bike segment, use the transition period to implement what mental skills coach Carrie Cheadle calls the "Yes, and..." technique [6]. To name just one example: "Yes, the swim was rougher than expected, and I still have two legs left to make up time" [6].
Tough moments will arise throughout any triathlon. Elite athletes strategically use different self-talk approaches depending on the race phase:
Dr. Justin Ross recommends changing how you see discomfort rather than denying pain when it intensifies. Ask yourself: "Am I willing to be uncomfortable for another step or mile?" [6]. This reframes the challenge as a choice rather than an imposition.
Avoiding negative internal commentary
Negative self-talk creates a destructive cycle that hurts performance. Thoughts like "I can't do this" or "What am I doing out here?" make pain feel worse [7]. Research shows that negative emotions combined with physical discomfort intensify your pain experience [7].
This cycle reinforces itself—you expect to struggle, feel worse physically, and end up struggling more [7]. Negative experiences carry more psychological weight than positive ones. Research shows it takes twelve positive statements to counteract just one negative comment [9].
To curb negativity:
Monitor your patterns: Spot your "hot button" situations that trigger negativity and note what you typically say to yourself [9]
Prepare replacement phrases: Create realistic but positive alternatives before these situations arise [9]
Balance the scales: If you criticize yourself for poor performances, praise yourself equally for good ones [9]
Regular practice of these techniques will help you replace negative patterns with constructive self-coaching. Your inner critic can become your most powerful ally.
Visualization: Rehearsing success before race day
Mental imagery consistently ranks at the top when elite triathletes share their most valuable mental strategies [1]. This powerful performance tool—often called visualization—goes beyond wishful thinking. Science has confirmed it strengthens the mind systematically, much like interval training builds the body.
Visualizing the course and transitions
Athletes gain major advantages on race day by creating detailed mental images of racecourses. Top performers don't wait until major events. They mentally rehearse races throughout the year [1]. Their practice goes beyond generic scenarios. They picture specific courses with terrain variations, landmarks, and technical sections [3].
Transitions deserve extra focus in visualization practice. These race segments can make you gain or lose precious minutes. Mental rehearsal becomes especially valuable when you have limited time and space to practice transitions physically [4].
"The great thing about imagining transitions is that you don't have to set anything up," notes sports psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor. "You can do it in the comfort of your bed or favorite chair" [4]. Your brain deeply programs both order and flow when you repeatedly rehearse T1 and T2 routines mentally. Race day execution becomes automatic [4].
Mental rehearsal of obstacles and setbacks
The best visualization never shows a perfect, effortless race. This approach makes visualization more powerful, not less [1]. Elite athletes specifically visualize:
Overcoming fatigue and discomfort (not magically avoiding them)
Finding solutions to technical issues
Maintaining composure during unexpected challenges
Racing as themselves with current abilities (not superhuman versions)
Blue Angel pilots' simulation training provides a great model for triathletes [4]. These elite aviators prepare for high-risk scenarios through multiple daily sessions and simulator practice. Triathletes can use this approach to mentally rehearse responses to race-day challenges. What happens with a flat tire? How do you handle changing water conditions? Good preparation eliminates panic [4].
"I always encourage my athletes to do 'what-if scenario planning,'" explains triathlon coach Matt Dixon. "If you invest time in scenarios like that, you won't panic because you'll deal with the situation as you had imagined" [10]. Small setbacks won't derail your entire race with this mental resilience.
Combining imagery with physical sensations
Your brain creates stronger neural pathways when visualization engages all senses—not just visual elements [1]. These pathways mirror physical actions and make movements feel familiar during actual events [1].
Elite triathletes include these elements to maximize visualization benefits:
Visual details: Water conditions, course features, crowds
Physical sensations: Muscle fatigue, water temperature, wind resistance
Sounds: Breathing patterns, transition area noise, crowd encouragement
Emotions: Confidence during strong segments, calm during challenges
"The more real it feels, the more real the benefits," emphasizes sports psychologist Dr. Taylor [1]. Your brain activates similar neural networks to actual performance during mentally immersive rehearsal—just at a lower intensity [4].
Regular practice remains vital. Elite athletes treat visualization like physical training [1]. Many weave it into training sessions instead of doing it separately [10]. You might visualize maintaining proper form through fatigue during threshold workouts [10].
Visualization builds mental muscle memory that supports performance when physical demands peak. One Olympic triathlete put it well: "We don't just visualize winning—we visualize the process that makes winning possible" [5].
Goal setting for mental and physical alignment
Success in a triathlon goes beyond just crossing the finish line. Your goals make the real difference between finishing and excelling. Clear, well-laid-out goals create a roadmap that lines up your mental and physical training. They turn your dreams into practical plans.
Setting realistic and motivating goals
Goals work best when they start with honesty. This is the life-blood of effective goal setting. A coaching resource points out, "Not everyone is going to be a world champion, therefore be realistic and set your goals" [11]. This doesn't limit your dreams but helps you recognize your current abilities and training time.
Many elite coaches suggest using the SMART framework to create goals that drive results:
Specific: Clearly defined targets rather than vague intentions
Measurable: Quantifiable metrics to track progress
Achievable: Challenging yet possible within your capabilities
Relevant: Connected to your deeper motivations
Time-bound: Attached to deadlines that inspire action [12]
Elite athletes know unrealistic goals lead to failure. They ask questions like "Is it sensible to try and complete a Sprint Distance triathlon in 90 minutes if it takes you 30 minutes to swim 750m?" [11]. These questions help prevent disappointment and keep you motivated throughout your training experience.
Using goals to stay focused during training
Tough training sessions build mental strength, but you need proper goals to make them bearable. Craig Alexander, two-time Ironman world champion, completed intense 2.5-hour runs at Ironman race pace in the mountains above Boulder. He often ran the final 30 minutes faster than race pace [13]. Such demanding sessions become possible through goal-focused motivation.
Goals give purpose to each workout during long training blocks. Research shows that triathlon goals should emphasize the process over end results [13]. You develop resilience by focusing on things you can control, like skill mastery or consistent training completion. This supports your performance when motivation drops.
Your attention should move from outcome-only targets to process goals—daily methods that build accountability. These goals stay within your control and create a foundation for achievement with consistent application [2].
Mental goals vs performance goals
Triathletes often focus only on performance goals (specific finish times) or outcome goals (winning age groups). These targets matter but leave out something crucial: mental goals.
Performance goals target your individual capabilities: running 8:00 pace in a half marathon or pushing your functional threshold power to 200 watts [2]. Unlike outcome goals that depend on others (podium placement), performance goals remain in your control.
Mental goals deserve equal attention:
Maintaining positive self-talk during difficult segments
Successfully managing pre-race anxiety
Developing resilience when facing setbacks [14]
"Leave your expectations behind. Don't get ahead of yourself. Focus on the process, one section of the course at a time" [14]. This mental approach helps avoid disappointment from rigid outcome fixation.
University of Wales research showed that developing mental toughness requires "the process rather than the end result" with "a persistent focus on doing the work and mastering the task at hand rather than the dream of winning" [13]. Results can never be completely controlled—only your effort and skill level can.
Mental and performance goals work together to create a detailed framework. This supports both physical and psychological progress, turning your triathlon experience from mere endurance into true excellence.
Mindfulness and staying present during the race
Your mind can make or break your race day performance. The difference between mental breakdown and peak performance often comes down to staying present in the moment. Elite triathletes now use mindfulness - focusing on the present moment - as a key mental strategy to tackle psychological challenges during races.
How mindfulness reduces mental fatigue
Mental fatigue hits before physical exhaustion kicks in. Your emotions start to swing wildly and you lose perspective on what you can actually do [15]. Mindfulness helps your brain work better - you focus on one thing and block out everything else that might distract you [15].
Being objectively aware through mindfulness helps block negative self-talk. This helps you bounce back from bad races or injuries that pile up in your head and drain you mentally [15].
Research shows that mindfulness and attentional training make a big difference in fighting mental fatigue and making better decisions under pressure [16]. This matters because:
You make countless decisions during a triathlon
Your mental state affects how hard everything feels
Being tired leads to poor choices
Elite athletes know mindfulness isn't just about relaxing - it helps you think clearly when everything fights for your attention.
Using body scans and breathwork
Body scan meditation stands out as a powerful mindfulness tool for triathletes. You reconnect with your body and calm your mind by focusing on what's happening inside [8]. This goes beyond just breathing - you become aware of every physical sensation [8].
Regular practice helps you develop interoceptive awareness - you learn to read your body's signals better [8]. You spot tension before it becomes a problem [8]. Your body also shifts from stress mode to "rest and digest" as your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in [8].
Breathwork opens another path to mindfulness. Fish, a mindfulness expert, tells her clients to breathe in for three beats and out for two [17]. This rhythm matches your movements and naturally calms your mind.
Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth helps calm pre-race nerves by activating your relaxation response [8]. Studies from Germany, Britain, and Australia prove that consistent breathing practice boosts performance by improving focus, concentration, and emotional control [8].
Mindful moments in swim, bike, and run
Each sport gives you chances to practice mindfulness. Swimming lets you match your breath to your arm movements in a calming rhythm [17]. Top swimmers focus on their breathing sound or how their arms feel in the water [17].
The bike leg needs focus on pedal stroke or cadence. Olympian Joanna Zeiger combines visualization with present-moment awareness for better performance [9]. Pro athletes count during tough sections and focus on rhythm rather than results [16].
Running works well with the "three-two" breathing pattern - three beats in, two out [17]. This uneven rhythm keeps you focused and stops your mind from wandering to race outcomes. Pick a three-word mantra that makes you feel good and repeat it when negative thoughts pop up [9].
These mindfulness strategies build mental toughness in all three sports. You'll transform your racing from just getting through it to really enjoying the experience.
Managing pre-race anxiety and emotional spikes
Pre-race nerves can make or break your triathlon performance. Elite athletes get anxious before competition—it's your body's natural response to big events. But knowing how to manage this response sets top performers apart from those who crack under race-day pressure.
Understanding the body's stress response
You feel pressure in important situations that involve judgment and uncertainty. It reminds you that what you're about to do matters. Stress is your body's physical and mental reaction to that pressure [18]. This difference is crucial—pressure comes from outside, while stress shows up inside as physical sensations.
Your nervous system reacts to perceived threats—including race expectations—by triggering "fight or flight" reactions [19]. Your body then responds with:
Churning stomach and digestive distress
Increased heart rate and breathing
Sudden urges to visit the restroom
Racing thoughts about potential outcomes [18]
These physical symptoms happen because one part of your brain (the limbic system) tells another (the frontal cortex) that the outcome is critically important [18]. This survival response often hurts triathlon performance by leading to impulsive decisions.
Reframing nerves as readiness
Elite triathletes don't try to eliminate nerves—they see them differently. Pre-race anxiety shows you're emotionally invested and your body is getting ready to perform [20]. Those butterflies signal preparation, not weakness.
Research in cognitive behavior shows that calling nerves excitement instead of anxiety can improve your performance [7]. This simple change—seeing adrenaline as energy rather than anxiety—turns your body's response from a limitation into an advantage.
"Getting physically nervous is a GREAT sign," explains one expert. "These adaptations are your body's way of getting metabolically, neurologically and biochemically ready to smash it" [6].
Practicing calm under pressure
You can build stress resilience with these practical techniques:
Force yourself to practice under pressure. Creating pressure situations during training changes your brain and helps you handle race pressure better [18].
Develop a race-day routine. Uncertainty creates anxiety, but a step-by-step plan for race morning builds stability and confidence [21].
Learn specific relaxation techniques. Apps like Headspace or Paced Breathing offer guided sessions that activate your parasympathetic nervous system—your body's natural calming mechanism [18].
Employ box breathing. Navy SEALs use this technique: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, then hold again for four. Five cycles can reduce anxiety [7].
Focus exclusively on controllables. Put your energy into the only two things you can control: your effort and attitude [18].
To get quick relief from acute anxiety, take five deep "belly" breaths with four-second exhalations. This kicks in your parasympathetic nervous system, lowers your heart rate and calms your jitters [6].
Regular practice of these techniques builds the mental toughness you need to perform your best under pressure.
Confidence and comparison: Staying in your lane
Comparison might be your biggest enemy in triathlon performance. Many triathletes hurt their potential by measuring themselves against others. This habit chips away at their confidence. The ability to build real self-belief while staying away from the comparison trap is a vital mental skill that sets elite performers apart.
How elite athletes build self-confidence
Elite athletes don't just have self-confidence—they work to develop it. Everything starts in the mind: the belief, vision, and drive to reach ambitious goals [22]. Your confidence becomes your best training tool, whatever your goals are, from finishing a 5K to completing an Ironman [23].
Many pros use a powerful mental technique by creating an alter ego for race day. A professional triathlete who struggled with "imposter syndrome" came up with an alter ego called "Paddy McGinty"—a fearless persona just for racing. This method triggers "a cascade of neurochemical changes and a transformation in psychological and emotional mindset" [1].
To build your confidence arsenal:
Avoiding the trap of comparing with others
"Comparison is the thief of joy"—this yoga saying fits triathlon perfectly. Staying "on your own mat" means focusing on your own trip instead of others' [22]. Early-season comparisons can make you lose both consistency and faith in your training.
Comparing your performance to others doesn't make sense. Everyone has different genetics, training background, and life situations. A coach points out that "a 58-year-old female comparing training times with a 25-year-old male athlete" shows how meaningless these comparisons can be [3].
Social media makes things worse by distorting reality. People share their best sessions while the tough ones never see the light of day. This creates an unrealistic view of others' training [3]. Keep this in mind when Instagram makes you feel inadequate.
Tracking your own progress
Put your energy into tracking your personal progress instead of comparing with others. A training log helps you build history and map your path to success [24]. Regular tracking lets you spot patterns, find what works, and see real improvement.
Coaches suggest tracking both performance numbers and how you feel. Note your fueling strategy, perceived effort, and overall experience beyond the stats [24]. This comprehensive view gives you context that numbers alone can't show.
Triathlon should be about racing against yourself—your oldest running buddy, your most important "other," your biggest cheerleader [25]. Staying in your lane and focusing on your unique path leads to more satisfaction, motivation, and lasting performance gains.
Integrating mental training into your routine
Athletes who put mental training into practice gain real benefits beyond just knowing the techniques. The best performers don't separate mental work from physical training. They blend both aspects into their preparation.
Mental drills during physical sessions
A good priming session helps you train better. It lets you outline your goals and mental approach [26]. Take time before workouts to check your mindset and identify any self-doubts that could hold you back [26]. Your breathing should match your movements during endurance work. This creates a natural rhythm that helps you stay focused and calm [17].
Scenario planning and chunking
Your race becomes easier to handle when you split it into 15-20 minute chunks with regular check-ins [4]. These breaks let you run through key items: your hydration, pace, heart rate and muscle tension [4]. Small issues won't become big problems if you catch them early with this approach. You should think through "what-if scenarios" before race day. This prevents panic when unexpected challenges pop up [4].
Keeping a mental training log
Your training journal should capture both physical stats and mental breakthroughs [5]. Write down how you felt and what strategies worked or failed. These notes add meaning beyond just numbers [27]. Reading old journal entries helps during tough times. They remind you that difficult phases always pass [28]. The moment everything clicks in a workout, write down exactly what made it work so well [28].
Conclusion
Mental training is just as important as physical preparation for triathletes who want to reach their peak. Elite athletes don't leave their mental skills to chance - they develop them systematically.
Your internal dialog affects every part of your performance. You can tap into the potential of both instructional and motivational self-talk to maintain technique and push through discomfort. Visualization offers real benefits when you practice it consistently. This means not just picturing perfect races but also mentally working through specific challenges and solutions.
Setting realistic yet challenging goals builds a framework that keeps you motivated. Mental goals deserve as much attention as performance targets because they build the resilience you need in tough moments. Mindfulness practices help reduce mental fatigue and keep you centered when race conditions get chaotic.
Pre-race nerves hit everyone - even world champions. When you reframe this energy as excitement instead of anxiety, your perception and performance change. Your confidence grows from preparation and tracking your progress, not from comparing yourself to others.
Mental training works best when it blends with physical workouts rather than being treated separately. Just like you won't build strong quadriceps without consistent strength training, mental toughness needs regular conditioning.
Note that triathlon success goes far beyond physical capacity. The voice in your head ended up determining whether you reach your potential or fall short when faced with challenges. Psychological skills, though often overlooked, are what separate those who simply finish from those who truly excel. Start using these mental strategies today and you'll find resources you never knew you had - proving that your mind is the ultimate training ground.
Key Takeaways on Triathlon Psychology
Elite triathletes understand that mental training is as crucial as physical conditioning, with research showing that endurance fatigue stems more from psychological suffering than physiological limits.
• Master your inner dialog: Use instructional self-talk for technique ("maintain long stroke") and motivational self-talk for energy ("you've got this") during different race phases.
• Visualize obstacles, not perfection: Mentally rehearse specific challenges and setbacks using all senses to build neural pathways that mirror actual performance.
• Set process goals over outcome goals: Focus on controllable factors like maintaining form and consistent effort rather than just finish times or rankings.
• Practice mindfulness to reduce mental fatigue: Use body scans and rhythmic breathing to stay present and maintain mental clarity when physical demands peak.
• Reframe nerves as readiness: Transform pre-race anxiety into performance energy by viewing physiological arousal as your body preparing to excel.
• Integrate mental training into physical workouts: Treat psychological skills as seriously as swim, bike, and run training by practicing them during actual sessions rather than separately.
Mental toughness isn't innate—it's developed through consistent practice. Just as you wouldn't expect strong muscles without regular training, your psychological resilience requires deliberate conditioning to unlock your true potential on race day.
References
[1] - https://www.liv-cycling.com/global/campaigns/how-to-become-a-confident-triathlete/21511[2] - https://www.d3multisport.com/d3-university/goal-setting-for-goal-achieving[3] - https://tritrainingharder.com/blog/2023/14/comparison-friend-or-foe[4] - https://www.220triathlon.com/training/14-race-day-strategies-and-techniques-for-different-scenarios[5] - http://www.t1triathlon.com/triathlon-blog/2025/2/10/the-role-of-mental-training-in-triathlon-success[6] - https://www.liv-cycling.com/global/campaigns/7-tips-to-cope-with-triathlon-race-nerves/21482[7] - https://triathlonmagazine.ca/training/how-to-turn-pre-race-nerves-into-a-secret-weapon/[8] - https://www.drpaulmccarthy.com/post/10-proven-mindfulness-techniques-for-athletes-used-by-olympic-champions[9] - https://www.220triathlon.com/training/how-can-mindfulness-help-my-triathlon-performance[10] - https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts364/[11] - https://tritrainingharder.com/blog/2020/6/getting-smart-with-goal-setting-for-first-timers-and-novice-athletes[12] - https://www.ironman.com/news/5-step-process-set-triathlon-goals-you-can-actually-achieve[13] - https://www.triathlete.com/training/race-tips/the-mental-game-of-triathlon/[14] - https://www.peaksports.com/sports-psychology-blog/do-you-set-yourself-up-to-fail-in-triathlons/[15] - https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts207/[16] - https://terapung.com/blogs/blog/the-mental-game-of-triathlon-staying-present-across-three-sports?srsltid=AfmBOopa5UoLKcO050DhYkV2IzmRkUjDAGkF8uxVjPxWr7xcC8--1Q5t[17] - https://www.triathlete.com/training/incorporate-mindfulness-triathlon-training/[18] - https://www.triathlete.com/training/race-tips/managing-stress-pressure/[19] - https://www.usatriathlon.org/articles/training-tips/mental-performance-from-the-bottom-up[20] - https://trainright.com/sports-psychologist-tips-overcoming-triathlon-pre-race-nerves/[21] - https://www.ironman.com/news/building-ironmind-learn-most-underrated-skills-triathlon[22] - https://agegrouper.us/5-steps-to-supercharging-your-self-confidence-in-triathlon/[23] - https://www.prettystrongcoaching.com/blog/endurance-confidence-toolkit[24] - https://www.triathlete.com/training/track-training-progress/[25] - https://triathlonmagazine.ca/feature/nothing-compares-to-you-tips-to-stop-comparing-yourself-to-other-athletes/[26] - https://www.grantgiles.com.au/mastering-the-mental-game-in-triathlon-training/[27] - https://www.tri-revolution.co.uk/tips/mental-training-for-triathletes/[28] - https://triathlonmagazine.ca/training/3-ways-a-training-journal-can-help-you-become-a-better-triathlete/
