Mental Training + Race Preparation with Dr. Erin Ayala

·52 min·5 clips

Erin Ayala recounts pivoting from podium goals to 'vibes and completion' at Mid-South Double after societal turmoil disrupted training.

The episode begins with host Sarah Bowen Shea promoting Feisty Fest, a three-day women's festival focused on movement, learning, and community. She then introduces co-host Liz Waterstrot, and they discuss vacation running philosophies, emphasizing enjoyment over structured workouts. Dr. Erin Ayala joins as a guest, providing a refresher on her athletic background as an 'ultra dabbler' in running, triathlon, and cycling, and her professional background as a sports psychologist specializing in female endurance athletes. The conversation delves into mental skills for success, highlighting curiosity and self-compassion. Erin explains the importance of mindfulness meditation, citing research on its effects, and discusses journaling for self-awareness and gratitude. Sleep is addressed as crucial for recovery and consistency. A sponsor break features Wahoo Kickr Run and Dimity's book tour. Erin shares a personal story about adjusting goals at the Mid-South Double race due to external stressors, illustrating adaptability. She advises on reframing pre-race nerves as a sign of caring and offers breathing techniques for regulation. Data usage in training is discussed, warning against over-reliance and comparison. Vision boards are explored as motivational tools, with modern alternatives like Canva. Strategies for managing race-day anxiety include establishing routines and using Scratch high-carb mix. Erin emphasizes that final workouts are not tests but training stimuli, and post-race elation should be savored. The episode concludes with promotions for Feisty Women's Performance podcast and Feisty Fest.

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