Race days can be tough. Training days can be tough. Thinking about crawling out of bed in the morning can be tough.

Mental toughness is forged in many different ways. Finding your happy place inside your own head is a key component of having a great race day.

Look for THREE components of a mental happy place and give it a try on your next tough training session…

VISUALIZE – What does your ideal calm, relaxing setting look like?

LISTEN – What does your perfect place sound like? Quiet? Ambient background noises?

SMELL – A favorite food? Comforting smell?

Use the three suggestions above as guidelines for finding what speaks to you as a happy place. Once you’ve practiced that ideal spot in your mind, try it out on race day or during a tough training set.