You know those breakout performances where an athlete “suddenly,” wildly exceeds expectations? If you look closely, you will find that these performances are not so sudden! Rather, they are the result of a quiet, steady progression in training and racing. Seasons have a way of gaining momentum, positive or negative. As athletes competing over a season or our lifetime, what we are seeking is positive momentum. 

An example of positive momentum is when a rider sticks with “much better competitors” for a portion of a race. That success is a lightbulb moment where they suddenly re-evaluate their ability. The next race, with newfound confidence, they stay with these competitors for even longer. In both races, the rider is ultimately dropped, so the results sheet does not yet show the “win.” However, over time, confidence builds: the rider holds the pace longer, and the results “suddenly” come.

Negative momentum builds in the opposite direction. An athlete has a subpar race, and perhaps they shrug off that result. However, the next race, the rider posts another below-average result. This shakes the rider’s confidence. The next race, the rider fears failure. Perhaps they hit a “bad patch” in a race and struggle to hold the pace. They begin a mid-race analysis, ruminating on “what’s wrong.” This takes their mind out of the race and a poor result follows.

How do we cultivate positive momentum?

• Seek out wins. Pay attention to your training. Note improvements and good days. Write them down. Pause for a moment and enjoy that success.
• Set process goals that indicate what you aim to do during the race. For example, “I will stand all the way up the climb.” (This differs from outcome goals, like “winning the race.”) It’s important that you have goals that are independent of the performance of others.
• Do a thorough assessment of both good and bad days. The assessment should not overfocus on the result. Instead evaluate your performance goals. Did you do what you set out to do?
• See “failures” as an opportunity to learn and grow. What do you need to do to improve? Come up with an action plan with process goals! And rededicate yourself to this long-term training.