The 50th Anniversary of the Pedorthic Footwear Conference (PFA) took place in Nashville from 11/5-9 properly entitled the "Golden Age." I was the keynote speaker for this anniversary year with my presentation called, "Active In Our Golden Years." It was a pleasure meeting many new people at the expo and at my book signing. I had the opportunity to recap how I accomplished my 20/20/20<5@45 feat and to share how we can stay fit in our own "golden years."
Please check out this video clip (under 5 minutes) of my speaking engagement.
My last blog featured the first of seven reasons why I accomplished the feat - personal inspiration. The second reason for my success this summer was my Support Team. The 7 Consultants at www.OneMileRunner.com included Vasile Faklis (Biomechanics), Mike Forgrave (Equipment), Dr. Peter Fort (Sleep/Recovery), Stacie Nevelus (Massage Therapy), Marc O'Meara (Nutrition), Jacqueline Moore (Mental Outlook), and Ray Helsing (Training). These 7 people were my source of information and guidance while on the road. I leaned on them and their expertise on many occasions. I cannot thank them enough for their input and unconditional support.
In addition to my 7 Consultants, there were others that played a major role in helping me. Sekyen Shikse directed daily operations and really took care of me. I could not have done the 5 month event without her love and care. I spoke to my brother Brian almost everyday as he is the very gifted director of the www.OneMileRunner.com website. Brian has always "had my back" in whatever I try to do in my life. Then there were friends and training partners, like Anthony Velardocchia, Wayne Johnson and David Putnam, who I spoke to every week helping me solve problems and discuss strategy to make it through the races and the travel.
Whatever your dreams, goals, or aspirations might be - you need your own Support Team as well. It does not need to be a professional team like mine, but it does need to be a group of people who care about you and are aware of your goals. It can be family, friends, or associates. Your spouse or child could be a huge help to you attaining your aspirations if you include them. Do not be shy to share your aspirations with the people in your life. Their support of your effort, time, and commitment will lead you on a path of success.
I will blog again at the beginning of December sharing My Mental Outlook in the 20 week event and the key element that I speak about at my corporate and sport seminars in order to make a lasting change in your life.
Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus always played a course in his mind before actually beginning a game. In his own words: "I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head. First I see the ball where I want it to finish, nice and white and sitting up high on the bright green grass. Then the scene quickly changes, and I see the ball going there; its path, trajectory, and shape, even its behavior on landing. Then there is a sort of fade-out, and the next scene shows me making the kind of swing that will turn the previous images into reality."
Rarely is high performance achievable and sustainable without some level of proficiency in visualization. Author Shakti Gawain says "Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life." The literature is full of content and examples of athletes and others who incorporate visualization into their performance rituals. Please read on for some powerful information related to this performance-enhancing tool. Whatever your field of endeavor – whether it is running, singing, doing presentations, or intentionally building better relationships – visualization can assist you in achieving your goals.
Here is some great additional reading:
Creative Visualization In Sports
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=149967&ca=Sports
Improve Your Sport Performance with Visualization Techniques
Guided Imagery May Improve Athletic Performance
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/sport_psych/a/aa091700a.htm
How To Use Imagery and Self-Hypnosis for Sports
Step-by-step guide to Using Imagery and Self-Hypnosis
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportspsychology/a/Imagery_How_To.htm
Some closing thoughts…
Visualizing while meditating seems to accelerate the effects. Individuals who have mastered the process know that when you are visualizing your goals as if they are already complete it helps your brain to:
People report that they notice “new” experiences when incorporating imaging into their lives consistently:
Sources
Brouziyne M, Molinaro C. "Mental imagery combined with physical practice of approach shots for golf beginners." Perceptual and Motor Skills. 2005 Aug;101(1):203-11.
Isaac, A. R. (1992). "Mental Practice- Does it Work in the Field?" The Sport Psychologist, 6, 192-198.
Martin, K.A., Hall, C. R. (1995). "Using Mental Imagery to Enhance Intrinsic Motivation." Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 17(1), 54-69.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/what-is-imagery/
http://www.mindtraining.net/sports_index.php3
.jpg)
.jpg)