Mental preparation for the UTMB

Preparing for the UTMB® involves physical training of course, but also mental preparation. It will be essential to face the difficulties and give you the motivation and fighting spirit to achieve your objectives. This essentially involves 3 things.

Defining objectives

The definition of objectives is essential and will allow you to focus on concrete things. It can be "finish in any time", or set a time target. In any case, your goal should be concrete and realistic according to your level. It should occupy your thoughts during your training and the race. 

Make visual projections

It is important to build up mental images of yourself in various situations: starting, finishing, passing certain points, having certain difficulties, having good feelings. These images or visual projections will help you to de-dramatise the race and will serve as a recourse in the event of difficulties and you will have to "reproject" them to yourself during the race.

Counteracting negative ideas

During your training sessions you will inevitably have negative ideas: it's too hard, I'm quitting, I'm going to give up, I'm not going to last long ....etc! Train yourself to counteract them by thinking systematically and immediately in a positive way. This exercise during your training sessions will help you during the test and will allow you to call on these negative idea blocks.