by JoAnn Dahlkoetter, Ph.D.

This article is a continuation of the "Sports Psychology" column in the November issue of Runner Triathlete News. For complete details on the art of focusing, please pick up a copy of the November 2001 edition of Runner Triathlete News.

Whenever you want to concentrate on something, find a way to become more attracted to it. The next time you are out running, if you want to go faster, think of a song that has an upbeat cadence and synchronize your movement to that rhythm. If you want to focus on your breathing, imagine that your lungs are expanding, filling every cell in your body with clean, healthy oxygen. When attending to your form, watch your shadow on the road, and get feedback from you "shadow coach."

As you learn the art of this focused state of consciousness, you can become completely absorbed in your event, to the exclusion of all other outside influences. You may experience an unusual sense of stepping into a heightened state of awareness. You can be totally tuned in to the present moment, as the everyday world seems to recede into the background. You feel more self-assured, and more fully integrated. Your mind, body, and spirit are completely engaged in your experience.

These are the times when you feel most energetic and fully alive, and can perform your absolute best.