In this revealing
eBook, Arnie Baker, M.D. provides an exclusive
profile test
and stress questionnaire
to help you identify your personality characteristics – for better or worse!
Then he shows you how make the most of
your strong attributes in cycling while reducing the impact of those that can hold you
back.
Psychling Psychology
is a fascinating look into the mindset of competitive cyclists. This
eBook also has
plenty of value for every rider who wants to complement training and technique
with a sharp mental edge.
Dr. Baker has coached racers to several Olympics, 30 national records and
80 national championships. He has authored or co-authored 14 cycling books and more
than 750 articles. On the bike, Dr. Baker is a
category 1 racer who has set eight U.S. 40K time trial records and won more
than 200 races, including multiple national championships. He practices what
he preaches!
In this excerpt from page 60, Dr. Baker
describes seven classic behavioral traits seen among enthusiastic cyclists.
They're especially stark among those who race. See anyone you know?
EXCERPT:
Personality Changes
Athletes often undergo personality changes during
training or competition.
Here's some information about how and why
athletes can be spacey, tired, moody, glum, irritable, erratic, depressed,
grouchy, mean, loud, belligerent, aggressive, tearful, withdrawn, or manic.
By understanding the mechanisms involved,
athletes and coaches can learn to tolerate, anticipate, expect, understand, and
modify such changes.
Common Scenarios
The Bonked Athlete: Tired, cranky, or
tearful, the athlete responds quickly to a short rest and a sugary drink or a
high-glycemic snack.
End of the Race/Ride: Adrenalin high, the athlete is loud, talks a lot,
and speaks quickly. This athlete is obnoxious for about 15 minutes.
The Victorious Athlete: Adrenalin super-high, fist in the air, this
athlete is the greatest, and lets the whole world know. Greatness diminishes in
about 30 minutes, unless the athlete is severely adrenalin-poisoned.
The Crash or Mechanical Incident: Adrenalin high and somewhat exhausted
from racing, many observers know before it happens: This athlete will enter the
"How-Far-Can-I-Throw-the-Bike" contest. Normalcy returns in 15 to 30 minutes.
The Losing-Weight Athlete: The
losing-too-much-weight-while-trying-to-keep-intensity-training athlete performs
relatively poorly, and is tired, headachy, and cranky. A few good meals and/or
easy-riding days can be restorative.
The Overtraining Athlete: The drive to succeed is counterproductive.
Performance worsens. Fatigue, moodiness, worthless feelings, lack of enjoyment,
disturbed sleep, and depression may all be present. A period of complete,
relative, or active recovery is needed.
The Physically-Exhausted Athlete: Combine low blood sugar, muscle
fatigue, and adrenalin exhaustion. This athlete can burst in tears whether he or
she has won or lost, succeeded or failed, whether in training or in racing. Once
again, quiet time and some carbs can help restore this athlete.
$12.95
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