291. Dr. Justin Ross on Mental Toughness, Psychological Skill-Building, and Confidence

Dr. Justin Ross is a clinical psychologist and the Director of Workplace Wellbeing at the University of Colorado Health Hospital. He is also a competitive athlete, having qualified for the Boston Marathon 6 times. Dr. Ross has also competed in two Ironman 70.3 distance races, and recently completed the Leadville 100-mile mountain bike race.

Our discussion today focuses on the essential components of mental toughness, and is full of practical advice that you can use in your own training:

• The varying definitions of mental toughness
• What doesn't work: classic mistakes athletes make when trying to become mentally tough
• Learning how to normalize the voice of doubt we all face
• What is attentional control and how can we use it for more focused workouts?
• How do our daily experiences contribute to mental toughness?
• Do non-sport specific activities (like ice baths) build mental toughness?

Mental training is such an important component of finding success as an endurance athlete. I hope our conversation can help you take your training to the next level!

Links & Resources from the Show:

• Learn more our Dr. Ross and Connect with him on LinkedIn
• Check out Dr. Ross' Performance Psychology plans on Training Peaks and Final Surge, and save 10% with code Performance10
• Learn how to build confidence and mental toughness
• Listen to my previous conversation with Dr. Ross in episode 122

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