The more challenging the training, the greater the stress.
Physical training can motivate and bring us to the brink of top performance. But as the stress builds up, the reflex brain goes into protection mode, shutting off blood flow and stimulating negative hormones that lock into the receptor site on molecules in the body and mind. Successful world-class athletes have intuitively developed cognitive methods to keep going under stress. These methods activate the human brain so that the subconscious brain doesn’t shift into protection mode. This cognitive focus can turn the attitude around under difficult and stressful conditions. The first step is having a plan to diffuse the stress.
During the first week or two of a new training program, a challenging goal can increase motivation. But as the workouts get harder, fatigue and aches increase, and it gets harder to run longer at the fast pace—the monkey brain will trigger anxiety hormones. Combine this with fatigue stress, and that darned reflex brain will release negative motivation peptides, resulting in a negative emotional mental environment.But demanding workouts are necessary for top performance. By taking a series of conscious steps, we can 1) analyze whether aches are possible injuries and take action and 2) keep going with positive thoughts when we feel monkey brain anxiety. By cognitively focusing on one step at a time in a tough workout, we train mind and body to do the same thing when we get into our goal race.
But pushing too hard, for the individual, will trigger the release of stress hormones that can lower motivation. Lingering fatigue adds to the stress. When the body is pushed to its limits, the reflex brain initiates a protection mode response (see glossary). This causes a significant reduction of blood flow to the brain, the gut, and the immune system—as blood flow is increased to the limbs. Corticosterone, a steroid hormone that is associated with depression and reduced motivation, is produced to repair damage.
What happens when we train too hard
Negative hormones triggered by the reflex brain under stress activate negative thoughts.
Blood flow is constricted to areas of damage, causing pain and a TMS reaction (see glossary).
Blood flow is reduced to the gut, significantly reducing absorption of fluids and blood sugar (the brain’s fuel).
Normal repair and replacement of cells is suspended.
Stress stimulates hormone secretions that quickly change emotions to a negative orientation.
We are not motivated to continue at a level of performance of which we are currently capable.
Under repeated stressful workouts, competitive runners get sick. The protection mode reduces blood flow to the immune system, opening the door to infections.
Opportunity: You can take conscious action in each area using the programs in the chapter, Mental Training Program, chapter 8.
Do a reality check on the goal to make sure it is not too demanding, chapter 16.2.
Adjust speed sessions, and do the workload while reducing the stress (e.g., rest interval adjustments).
Read the section in the glossary on TMS and prepare to deal with it.
Some mental training can be paired with workouts.
Reduce mechanical stress by using the ankle. See chapter 18.
Do what works for you.