by JoAnn Dahlkoetter, Ph.D.

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

Begin by doing deep abdominal breathing where you feel your belly rising and falling with each breath. As you inhale, imagine that your breath is carrying particles of concentration into your body. As you exhale, notice that all the distractions and stress are being blown far away. The incoming breath is like a sedative that supplies you the peace you need to focus on the present.