Voice of the athlete: Brian Harris

Brian transitioned from being an expert motocross racer to competing in category 1 mountain bike races, and eventually to category 1 road cycling. He has won numerous state and regional championships. To this day, he continues to race at a high level and remains highly competitive in both mountain and road bike competitions. Brian also coaches and trains endurance athletes and others, helping them reach the next level of competition. Voice of the athlete: Brian Harris:

You have spent a lifetime competing as an athlete in various sports, with the majority of your career focused on being an elite MTB and road bike racer. What motivates you to continuously surpass your personal bests, and how has this motivation changed over the years?

I believe the desire to win motivates me the most. It drives me to engage in more rigorous and precise training, as well as adopt a lifestyle that fosters a winning mentality. Sometimes, over the years, the desire to train diminishes. However, as long as I participate in races, I recognize the need to adhere to a specific training program to maintain a high level of competition.

What aspect of racing do you enjoy the most?

There is a part of me that seeks recognition for being an exceptional athlete. Racing and performing well provide that recognition, which fuels my drive to train harder and win more. I also thrive on the competitiveness and thrill of racing at a high level.

Among all the races you've been in, which one was your favorite and why?

I can only say that any race where everything falls into place, and my performance reaches its peak, becomes my favorite. I vividly recall several races where my energy levels were soaring, and regardless of what my fellow competitors did to surpass me, I always had a response. Maintaining that top level consistently is challenging, so when I achieve it, I cherish the experience.

How do you mentally prepare before a race, both the week before, the night before, and the day of?

The week leading up to a race typically involves tapering my training. At the beginning of the week, I engage in an intense ride, but as the week progresses, I focus on gradually reducing the training load.

The day before a race, I go for a short, easy ride and make sure to fuel up with proper nutrition, emphasizing carbohydrates to optimize performance. Establishing good sleep patterns is also crucial.

To mentally prepare, I engage in meditation and visualize the racecourse, envisioning how I will navigate it.

How do you maintain focus when under pressure?

I understand that I can only perform at my own level, so I concentrate on what I can do to win the race. I try not to worry about what others are doing. I learned long ago the value of visualizing the racing scenario to remain focused on achieving the desired outcome. There have been many races where I entered with full confidence in my victory, and I delivered on that belief.

Have you ever experienced or witnessed someone facing paralyzing fear during competition? If so, what did it look like?

During one race a few years ago, I became extremely concerned after witnessing a friend crash hard and suffer a head injury. He has never been the same and can no longer work. I was so consumed by worry during that race that I ended up crashing and hitting my head, similar to what had happened to him. Although I sustained a severe concussion, it paled in comparison to his injuries. It was a case where my visualization of the event happening to me actually materialized.

What serves as your biggest source of motivation to continue riding and competing?

As mentioned earlier, some of the factors that drive me are the desire to be the strongest competitor out there and the satisfaction of pushing myself to the limits. These motivations fuel my dedication to rigorous training.

Have you ever encountered self-limiting beliefs that you had to overcome to elevate your performance?

Absolutely. Previous lower back injuries sometimes impose limitations on my training. However, I strive not to let the mental aspect of being injured dominate my mindset. I firmly believe that I can still perform at a high level, even when dealing with injuries.

Do you practice visualization, and if so, how does it aid your performance?

Visualization is an integral part of my training routine. I engage in visualization exercises for every race and training session. When it comes to races, I create a mental bubble where external factors and other competitors cannot influence my performance. This technique proves particularly effective in time trial bike races, where it's just me against the clock.

After experiencing a crash during a race, how do you swiftly recover both physically and mentally to regain your previous level of intensity?

Sometimes, the recovery process can be time-consuming. In cases where I've sustained major injuries, I eagerly look forward to engaging in some form of training to gradually return to riding. For instance, there was a race where I crashed, resulting in extensive road rash and a broken pelvis. Remarkably, I got bandaged up and raced again within an hour before heading to the hospital. Although I had to use crutches for six weeks, the doctors allowed me to train indoors on a non-weight-bearing bike. I trained diligently during that time and, after six weeks, participated in a state championship time trial, which I ultimately won.

How did you transition into coaching and personal training?

I've had a deep passion for exercise since my early years in grade school. Over time, it naturally progressed into sharing my knowledge and helping others with their training and fitness journeys.

In your opinion, what is the most significant mental obstacle that your athletes face?

One prevalent mental hurdle is their lack of self-belief. And allowing external factors, such as environmental conditions, to dictate their race-day experience. It's important to acknowledge that everyone in the race faces the same challenges. By focusing on doing their best, despite the difficulties, they can perform at their highest potential.

What are the top three pieces of advice you give to the MTB and road bike athletes you train regarding mental preparation before a race, based on your own experiences?

I emphasize three key elements: maintaining a proper diet for optimal performance, following a well-structured training plan that includes appropriate building and tapering phases, and cultivating mental preparedness through visualization and focus.

When did you first learn and start using visualization as an athlete?

My initial exposure to visualization occurred during my time racing on a ski team in Colorado. We had to visualize and memorize the ski course to anticipate any changes in terrain. Several years later, I read an article about Tiger Woods and his utilization of visualization and self-hypnosis techniques to enhance his performance.

What was the most significant challenge you faced when you first began practicing visualization?

My primary challenge involved maintaining focus on visualizing specific events or training sessions. Initially, I struggled with distractions, as my thoughts would wander to unrelated matters. To improve my focus, I started incorporating self-hypnosis techniques into my routine.

Can you recall a specific moment or event when you realized that visualization was truly effective for you?

After practicing visualization for some time, a breakthrough moment occurred during a particular ski race. I was so immersed in my focus on the course that I felt as though I was effortlessly flying down the slopes. That experience solidified my belief in the power of visualization.

When did you discover self-hypnosis as a training tool, and how do you incorporate it into your routine?

As mentioned earlier, my first introduction to self-hypnosis was through an article I read about Tiger Woods. However, it was later, when I was in a relationship with a woman who used hypnosis in her practice, that she taught me how to utilize self-hypnosis for performance enhancement. In my routine, I initially used self-hypnosis and visualization together at least once a day. It became a habit, and I would engage in these techniques before both training sessions and races. With practice, I honed my self-hypnosis skills to enter a deeply relaxed and focused state. During a bike race, I visualize myself in a protective bubble, impervious to external influences, including environmental conditions and other racers.

How would you differentiate between self-hypnosis and visualization?

Visualization primarily involves mentally creating. And vividly seeing specific aspects of a race course or training route, as well as envisioning one's success and overcoming obstacles. On the other hand, self-hypnosis aims to induce a state of deep relaxation and calmness. In this state, individuals can alleviate anxieties, visualize desired outcomes, and boost confidence in achieving those outcomes.

Many athletes underestimate the power of visualization and self-hypnosis. How do you convey their value to the athletes you coach and train?

To help athletes recognize the value of these techniques, I incorporate guided meditations into their training. I explain to them the importance of focusing on their desired outcome and maintaining clarity of purpose. Sometimes, we delve deeper into their specific goals, breaking them down into smaller pieces and visualizing success at each stage. By demonstrating the connection between focused visualization, mental preparedness, and improved performance, I aim to instill confidence in the athletes regarding these practices.

Next read: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/lucidity/get-clarity-in-your-sport