HiLevel Coaching Point #3 The following techniques all apply to coaching point #3 which is the practice of implementing and balancing “focus” and “letting go”.

Practice “letting go” before, during and after each work-out and race. Letting go allows you to clear your mind as you warm-up. It’s the art of stopping the chatter which enables you to focus as you execute the task. Letting go also helps you to settle into and accept your feelings after you complete your experience.

Before: Endurance training is personal, but a warm-up is essential to every individual routine. If you are training on your own and coaching yourself, the warm-up is your time to clear your mind and review your plan. If you are on a team and being coached, then it’s your time to clear your mind and accept the plan. Either way, you are there by choice and you want to make the most of the special time. You want to connect with your intention and be able to mentally rehearse and feel the pleasure and joy you want to receive from this activity. This is a time to bring your “focus” to the task ahead of you and “let go” of any negative thoughts or issues that may impede your ability to achieve your desired outcome.

Try this: Establish an exercise routine that allows you to “let go” of any distractions. Focus on your breathing, bring yourself very present, and feel calm, physically ready and up for the challenge ahead. The idea is to put your self in the right state of mind. This is your time, be present and feel each moment, don’t waste it or give it away to concerns about the past or future.

During: When the session begins, focus on working your plan. “Let go” by clearing your mind and feeling the effects of your movements and “focus” on allowing your breathing to regulate your intensity. Your eyes are soft, your face is relaxed and you are aware of your body. You are working hard to apply all of your energy to produce the right pace, a faster stroke, or a higher volume. You allow your breathing to let you know when you need to be more relaxed and perform within yourself.

Try this: Establish techniques that allow you to “let go” of negative thoughts. The use of the command word “stop” can put an end to unwanted chatter. The use of “trigger words” like “form” or ”run through” can help you to narrow or broaden your focus and concentrate on a particular skill or section of your workout. The idea is to learn how to manage your emotions, express your spirit and feel the rewards.

After: When the session ends and it’s time to recover, settle into your feelings and reflect on your experience. Just feel, stay present and accept the results of your session. Learn and grow from your efforts by letting go of the past and only focusing on what to carry with you to the next experience.

Try this: Breathe, stretch, and “let go” of the need to judge or label your experience and just feel the rewards of your efforts.

Keep it Simple: The key is to let go of toxic, negative emotions and distractions so that you will be able to focus on positive and productive feelings, thoughts and plans. If you strike this important balance before, during and after each session and race, you will find that you are open to celebrating your vitality and wellbeing. This formula of letting go and focusing will contribute to your fitness and health and help you improve and refine your skills and experience an enormous amount of pleasure and fun.