Mental Toughness: Thrive Under Pressure

Written by Marcus Smith
Rob Jones
Rob Jones
Mar 4, 2025
-
5
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-52

Monday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Strict Press

6/arm  Dumbbell Row

Conditioning:

In pairs alternating movements

8 minute AMRAP

15/12 cal Assault Bike

8 Burpee Box Jump Over

12 Russian Kettlebell Swing

rest 3 mins x 3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 6

2 Hang Power Clean

2 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 90 seconds x 6

1 Hang Squat Clean

1 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 5

5 Zercher Squats

Conditioning:

For time

250m Ski

20 Deadlift

250m Ski

Wednesday:

MURPH

Thursday:

New Years Day with Coach Jamie

Friday:

Friday Therapy with Coach Jamie

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Eduan

Sunday Sweat:

In Pairs every 6 mins x 5

50/40 cal Ski

30 synchro burpees

20 synchro Reverse Lunge

AMRAP  

Wall Ball

Sunday Strength:

Every 2 mins x 6

5 5 3 3 1 1 Incline Bench Press

Every 75 seconds x 3

10 sec overcoming Isometric Bench Press

Every 90 seconds x 12

A: 10 Ring Rows

B: 10 Dumbbell RDL @ 30x1

C: 10 Goblet Squats @ 30x1

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-52

GYMNASTICS

with Coach Vic

MOBILITY

with Coach Jerome

WEIGHTLIFTING

with Coach Sarah

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-52

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-52

Monday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This morning we will be running
5 X 500 @ 10km pace, 60s rest
4 X 400 @ 5k pace, 50s rest
3 X 300 @ 3k pace, 40s rest
2 X 200 @ 1k pace, 30s rest
1 X 100 @ GAS, 300m walking recovery before repeating set again.

Wednesday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds, Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running the below on Kite beach followed by coffees at Common Grounds.


Main set:
3 x 2mins @ 8RPE, 2mins rec
6 x 1mins @ 9RPE, 1min rec
then,

20mins @ HM Pace (7/10 RPE)

Sunday

Time: 6:59am

Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking

Session: Hatta Long Run

Today we have a hilly long run for you!!

Route

This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.

There is a petrol station at 12.5km out in Huwaylat, should you need to refill there. Please bear in mind, if you are not running 25km, there is no water on the route.

This is a road run, please run against the oncoming traffic.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-52

Monday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Strict Press

6/arm  Dumbbell Row

Conditioning:

In pairs alternating movements

8 minute AMRAP

15/12 cal Assault Bike

8 Burpee Box Jump Over

12 Russian Kettlebell Swing

rest 3 mins x 3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 6

2 Hang Power Clean

2 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 90 seconds x 6

1 Hang Squat Clean

1 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 5

5 Zercher Squats

Conditioning:

For time

250m Ski

20 Deadlift

250m Ski

Wednesday:

MURPH

Thursday:

New Years Day with Coach Jamie

Friday:

Friday Therapy with Coach Jamie

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Eduan

Sunday Sweat:

In Pairs every 6 mins x 5

50/40 cal Ski

30 synchro burpees

20 synchro Reverse Lunge

AMRAP  

Wall Ball

Sunday Strength:

Every 2 mins x 6

5 5 3 3 1 1 Incline Bench Press

Every 75 seconds x 3

10 sec overcoming Isometric Bench Press

Every 90 seconds x 12

A: 10 Ring Rows

B: 10 Dumbbell RDL @ 30x1

C: 10 Goblet Squats @ 30x1

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-52

GYMNASTICS

with Coach Vic

MOBILITY

with Coach Jerome

WEIGHTLIFTING

with Coach Sarah

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-52

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-52

Monday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This morning we will be running
5 X 500 @ 10km pace, 60s rest
4 X 400 @ 5k pace, 50s rest
3 X 300 @ 3k pace, 40s rest
2 X 200 @ 1k pace, 30s rest
1 X 100 @ GAS, 300m walking recovery before repeating set again.

Wednesday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds, Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running the below on Kite beach followed by coffees at Common Grounds.


Main set:
3 x 2mins @ 8RPE, 2mins rec
6 x 1mins @ 9RPE, 1min rec
then,

20mins @ HM Pace (7/10 RPE)

Sunday

Time: 6:59am

Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking

Session: Hatta Long Run

Today we have a hilly long run for you!!

Route

This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.

There is a petrol station at 12.5km out in Huwaylat, should you need to refill there. Please bear in mind, if you are not running 25km, there is no water on the route.

This is a road run, please run against the oncoming traffic.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-52

Monday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Strict Press

6/arm  Dumbbell Row

Conditioning:

In pairs alternating movements

8 minute AMRAP

15/12 cal Assault Bike

8 Burpee Box Jump Over

12 Russian Kettlebell Swing

rest 3 mins x 3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 6

2 Hang Power Clean

2 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 90 seconds x 6

1 Hang Squat Clean

1 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 5

5 Zercher Squats

Conditioning:

For time

250m Ski

20 Deadlift

250m Ski

Wednesday:

MURPH

Thursday:

New Years Day with Coach Jamie

Friday:

Friday Therapy with Coach Jamie

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Eduan

Sunday Sweat:

In Pairs every 6 mins x 5

50/40 cal Ski

30 synchro burpees

20 synchro Reverse Lunge

AMRAP  

Wall Ball

Sunday Strength:

Every 2 mins x 6

5 5 3 3 1 1 Incline Bench Press

Every 75 seconds x 3

10 sec overcoming Isometric Bench Press

Every 90 seconds x 12

A: 10 Ring Rows

B: 10 Dumbbell RDL @ 30x1

C: 10 Goblet Squats @ 30x1

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-52

GYMNASTICS

with Coach Vic

MOBILITY

with Coach Jerome

WEIGHTLIFTING

with Coach Sarah

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-52

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-52

Monday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This morning we will be running
5 X 500 @ 10km pace, 60s rest
4 X 400 @ 5k pace, 50s rest
3 X 300 @ 3k pace, 40s rest
2 X 200 @ 1k pace, 30s rest
1 X 100 @ GAS, 300m walking recovery before repeating set again.

Wednesday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds, Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running the below on Kite beach followed by coffees at Common Grounds.


Main set:
3 x 2mins @ 8RPE, 2mins rec
6 x 1mins @ 9RPE, 1min rec
then,

20mins @ HM Pace (7/10 RPE)

Sunday

Time: 6:59am

Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking

Session: Hatta Long Run

Today we have a hilly long run for you!!

Route

This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.

There is a petrol station at 12.5km out in Huwaylat, should you need to refill there. Please bear in mind, if you are not running 25km, there is no water on the route.

This is a road run, please run against the oncoming traffic.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-52

Monday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Strict Press

6/arm  Dumbbell Row

Conditioning:

In pairs alternating movements

8 minute AMRAP

15/12 cal Assault Bike

8 Burpee Box Jump Over

12 Russian Kettlebell Swing

rest 3 mins x 3

Tuesday:

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 6

2 Hang Power Clean

2 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 90 seconds x 6

1 Hang Squat Clean

1 Low Hang Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 5

5 Zercher Squats

Conditioning:

For time

250m Ski

20 Deadlift

250m Ski

Wednesday:

MURPH

Thursday:

New Years Day with Coach Jamie

Friday:

Friday Therapy with Coach Jamie

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Eduan

Sunday Sweat:

In Pairs every 6 mins x 5

50/40 cal Ski

30 synchro burpees

20 synchro Reverse Lunge

AMRAP  

Wall Ball

Sunday Strength:

Every 2 mins x 6

5 5 3 3 1 1 Incline Bench Press

Every 75 seconds x 3

10 sec overcoming Isometric Bench Press

Every 90 seconds x 12

A: 10 Ring Rows

B: 10 Dumbbell RDL @ 30x1

C: 10 Goblet Squats @ 30x1

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-52

GYMNASTICS

with Coach Vic

MOBILITY

with Coach Jerome

WEIGHTLIFTING

with Coach Sarah

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-52

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-52

Monday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This morning we will be running
5 X 500 @ 10km pace, 60s rest
4 X 400 @ 5k pace, 50s rest
3 X 300 @ 3k pace, 40s rest
2 X 200 @ 1k pace, 30s rest
1 X 100 @ GAS, 300m walking recovery before repeating set again.

Wednesday

There is no in person LRC Today, Unlimited clients please check your TrainingPeaks, where you will find a session.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds, Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running the below on Kite beach followed by coffees at Common Grounds.


Main set:
3 x 2mins @ 8RPE, 2mins rec
6 x 1mins @ 9RPE, 1min rec
then,

20mins @ HM Pace (7/10 RPE)

Sunday

Time: 6:59am

Location: Wadi Hub Hatta Public Parking

Session: Hatta Long Run

Today we have a hilly long run for you!!

Route

This is an out and back route, please ensure to carry fuel and hydration.

There is a petrol station at 12.5km out in Huwaylat, should you need to refill there. Please bear in mind, if you are not running 25km, there is no water on the route.

This is a road run, please run against the oncoming traffic.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mental Toughness: Thrive Under Pressure

Picture yourself standing at the start line of a crucial race or walking into a high-stakes business meeting. Your heart is racing, the pressure is on—how do you respond? This is where mental toughness comes in, and it could be the difference between success and failure.

Mental toughness is more than just pushing through discomfort. It's the ability to stay composed, confident, and focused, enabling you to perform at your best in the face of adversity. Whether you're an athlete, a manager, or an entrepreneur, mental toughness plays a pivotal role in achieving your goals.

What Is Mental Toughness?

In their book Developing Mental Toughness, Doug Strycharczyk and Peter Clough break down mental toughness into four essential pillars:

  1. Challenge – Do you see challenges as opportunities or threats? Those who are mentally tough thrive on challenges, using them as steppingstones to growth.
  2. Confidence – Do you believe in your abilities? High levels of self-belief allow you to take risks and trust your judgment, even when under pressure.
  3. Commitment – Can you stick to tasks without getting distracted or losing focus? Mentally tough individuals follow through with what they start, even when it's difficult.
  4. Control – Do you believe you can control your own destiny, or do you feel like life happens to you? Mentally tough people believe they have the power to influence their circumstances.

Developing Mental Toughness: A Practical Guide

The good news is that even if you're not naturally 'mentally tough', the skills are able to be developed. Just like endurance or physical strength, mental toughness can be cultivated over time with consistent practice. Here are some ways you can start:

1. Improve Self-Awareness

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Start by creating a plan for difficult situations, whether in competition or at work.

Actionable Exercise: Take 10 minutes to write down the situations where you feel the most pressure. Then, next to each, list one or two strengths you can leverage to succeed in that scenario. For example:

  • Pressure Situation: Starting a tough race
  • Strength: Your ability to focus on pacing and ignore the distractions of those racing around you

2. Become Resilient

Develop a routine to bounce back from mistakes quickly. Resilience doesn't mean you won't face setbacks—it means you'll recover faster.

Actionable Exercise: Create a refocusing routine, such as taking three deep breaths, visualizing a past success, and repeating a positive affirmation. For instance: "I've done this before, I can do it again." Use this routine every time you feel the pressure building.

3. Increase Confidence

Fill your mind with past successes. Confidence is built through experience, so remind yourself of the tough moments you've overcome.

Actionable Exercise: Write down three instances where you successfully dealt with pressure. Keep this list visible, and refer to it when you need a confidence boost.

4. Master Tough Thinking

Your self-talk matters. Mentally tough individuals recognize negative thoughts and quickly reframe them to positive ones.

Actionable Exercise: The next time you notice a negative thought, write it down, then reframe it. Example:

  • Negative Thought: "I always mess up during the final stretch of a race."
  • Reframed Thought: "I've pushed through tough races and training before, and I can do it again."

5. Perform Under Pressure

Identify the skills (technical, physical, and mental) that help you show up at your best when the stakes are high.

Actionable Exercise: List three key skills you need to perform well under pressure. For example:

  1. Physical: Pacing correctly
  2. Technical: Breathing control
  3. Mental: Staying focused on the present and the 'now', not the outcome or the finish

Write these skills down and place them somewhere visible, like on your training equipment or your workspace.

Mental Toughness Is a Journey

Building mental toughness won't happen overnight. Just like developing your aerobic base or mastering a new skill, it's a process that requires time, effort, and consistency. The more you invest in it, the greater the rewards.

Your Turn: Take Action

Now it's your turn. What's the first pillar of mental toughness that you want to work on? Start small—whether it's improving yourself-awareness, boosting your confidence, or developing a routine to stay focused under pressure.

Remember, mental toughness is a skill that can be developed. With every small step, you're getting closer to performing at your best when it matters the most.

Fun  - Honesty - Simplicity - Smash Life - MENTAL TOUGHNESS - Hard Work