Singletracks Mountain Bike News

Dr. Kristin E. Keim is a sports psychologist and a member of the US Olympic Committee Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry. She has helped countless individual athletes and teams achieve their goals using a holistic, strength-based approach to sports psychology. (Click here or see the link below for Dr. Keim's complete bio). In this interview, we ask Dr. Keim: What are some of the areas where athletes like mountain bikers face mental challenges? Is it common for athletes to incorporate mental skills training into their preparations? Do you have any tips for helping folks get through a tough workout, or even just a really tough part of a ride? Is positive visualization an important part of developing a winning mindset? What are some things that make it tough to stay motivated? Are there any shortcuts to developing confidence? How do we get it back after a crash? Is happiness connected to athletic performance? Do you get nervous before a race or competition? How do you calm your nerves?