The Competitive Edge: Mental Preparation for Distance Running

by Richard Elliott and Rich Elliott

Book Overview

The Competitive Edge explores the psychological factors that influence a distance runner's performance. The book is intended to help competitive runners get a handle on the 'inner game' of their sport and maximize their running potential. It covers such topics as: • the challenges posed by the psychological aspects of distance racing • the use of relaxation techniques to calm the body • the use of mental rehearsal to visualize and prepare for races...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0131549987
• ISBN13: 9780131549982
• Release Date: January 1984
• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Length: 193 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Good even for an old guy

This book is really targeted for runners who are looking to improve their times. Being over 50 years old my race times are not going to improve much, in fact they are slowly declining. That said, I still found the book to be inspiring. It helped me keep going, think seriously about my distance running and how I approach it, and it was a good read.

must red for serious distance runners and coaches

I found this book shortly after it was published and feel it is among the most insightful resources available addressing the mental aspects of distance racing or as the arthur calls it the "Psychological Challenge in Distance Racing". I would suggest that every serious distance coach and runner would agree that distance racing is a least a 50/50 mental/physical challenge. This text will help you understand what is needed to insure all the hard physical work done in preparation for racing is exhibited on race day.

A Real Edge

This is a well constructed book with a clear purpose: to inform runners of the mental importance to their running. It first introduces the need for mental conditioning, then systematically works you through the steps. As a high school runner, this book turned my season around and allowed me to unlock a lot of my potential. My team then incorporated a program of mental training to the workouts, and great sucess was achieved. This is a must read for any serious runner, athletic coach, or casual runner interested in learning about the sport.

Mental Maturity

The Competitive Edge, written by a former college running star, intends to hammer home the importance of the mental side of distance running training. It lays out very good explanations of why the mental side of running is nearly as important as the physical and what you can do to improve your concentration, overcome anxiety, and develop mental toughness, and it does so through a very readable and easily understandable text. It is slightly dated (the references to and testimonials of running stars of the past and personal no longer carry the same weight they may have in the early 1980s), but it certainly made me realize the importance of preparing myself mentally for races and training. This is not an inspirational book, but certainly a wonderful reference tool for coaches and athletes who hope to get a little more out of themselves.