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 26-15

Monday:

Strength:

Build to a heavy single Behind the Neck Split Jerk

Conditioning:

In a team of 3, 6 mins work 2 mins rest x3

Max Cals C2 Bike

Max Cals Ski Erg

Tuesday:

Strength:

8 minutes to establish a max Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 4

5 5 3 3 Clean Pull

Conditioning:

Every 3 minutes x 4

Half Park Run

AMRAP

Squat Cleans @ 70%

Wednesday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 6

A- 1.1.1.1 cluster set Strict/Weighted Pull Up

B - 10-20 sec Tuck Sit on Parallettes + 20 sec banded Deadbug Pullover Hold

Conditioning:

Cindy

20-minute AMRAP

5 pull-ups

10 push-ups

15 air squat

Thursday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 8

A: 6/6 hand-supported shin referenced Box Step Ups

B: DB Bench Press 6 reps tempo 30x1

Every 90 seconds x 9

A: 10-12 seated Dumbbell Press

B: 8-16 alternating V-Ups

C: 12-15 Hammer Curl

Conditioning:

3 rounds for time

30/24 Cals Assault bike

20 Dual Kettlebell Push Press

Friday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Romanian Deadlift from the rack

EMOM 3

3 Hang Muscle Snatch

EMOM 5

3 Hang Power Snatch

Conditioning:

7 rounds FOR TIME

9 hang power snatch

15 straight arm lateral Burpee Over the bar

9 TTB

1 lap Farmers Carry

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Dan

Sunday Sweat:

40-minute window in teams of 3

2500m row

160 Box Jump Overs

140 Push Ups

120 Dumbbell Hang Clean and Jerk

100 Cal Assault bike

AMRAP Burpees

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 3 2 2 1 low box Back squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 Deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 seconds x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 12

Min 1 - 30 sec Push Ups

Min 2  - 10 Heavy Russian Kettlebell Swing

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-15

GYMNASTICS

This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.

Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals.  We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts.  This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.

MOBILITY

In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.

As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.

Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-15

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 26-15

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

Main Session:

1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery

2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min

Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep

Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-15

Monday:

Strength:

Build to a heavy single Behind the Neck Split Jerk

Conditioning:

In a team of 3, 6 mins work 2 mins rest x3

Max Cals C2 Bike

Max Cals Ski Erg

Tuesday:

Strength:

8 minutes to establish a max Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 4

5 5 3 3 Clean Pull

Conditioning:

Every 3 minutes x 4

Half Park Run

AMRAP

Squat Cleans @ 70%

Wednesday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 6

A- 1.1.1.1 cluster set Strict/Weighted Pull Up

B - 10-20 sec Tuck Sit on Parallettes + 20 sec banded Deadbug Pullover Hold

Conditioning:

Cindy

20-minute AMRAP

5 pull-ups

10 push-ups

15 air squat

Thursday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 8

A: 6/6 hand-supported shin referenced Box Step Ups

B: DB Bench Press 6 reps tempo 30x1

Every 90 seconds x 9

A: 10-12 seated Dumbbell Press

B: 8-16 alternating V-Ups

C: 12-15 Hammer Curl

Conditioning:

3 rounds for time

30/24 Cals Assault bike

20 Dual Kettlebell Push Press

Friday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Romanian Deadlift from the rack

EMOM 3

3 Hang Muscle Snatch

EMOM 5

3 Hang Power Snatch

Conditioning:

7 rounds FOR TIME

9 hang power snatch

15 straight arm lateral Burpee Over the bar

9 TTB

1 lap Farmers Carry

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Dan

Sunday Sweat:

40-minute window in teams of 3

2500m row

160 Box Jump Overs

140 Push Ups

120 Dumbbell Hang Clean and Jerk

100 Cal Assault bike

AMRAP Burpees

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 3 2 2 1 low box Back squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 Deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 seconds x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 12

Min 1 - 30 sec Push Ups

Min 2  - 10 Heavy Russian Kettlebell Swing

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-15

GYMNASTICS

This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.

Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals.  We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts.  This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.

MOBILITY

In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.

As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.

Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-15

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 26-15

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

Main Session:

1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery

2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min

Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep

Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-15

Monday:

Strength:

Build to a heavy single Behind the Neck Split Jerk

Conditioning:

In a team of 3, 6 mins work 2 mins rest x3

Max Cals C2 Bike

Max Cals Ski Erg

Tuesday:

Strength:

8 minutes to establish a max Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 4

5 5 3 3 Clean Pull

Conditioning:

Every 3 minutes x 4

Half Park Run

AMRAP

Squat Cleans @ 70%

Wednesday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 6

A- 1.1.1.1 cluster set Strict/Weighted Pull Up

B - 10-20 sec Tuck Sit on Parallettes + 20 sec banded Deadbug Pullover Hold

Conditioning:

Cindy

20-minute AMRAP

5 pull-ups

10 push-ups

15 air squat

Thursday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 8

A: 6/6 hand-supported shin referenced Box Step Ups

B: DB Bench Press 6 reps tempo 30x1

Every 90 seconds x 9

A: 10-12 seated Dumbbell Press

B: 8-16 alternating V-Ups

C: 12-15 Hammer Curl

Conditioning:

3 rounds for time

30/24 Cals Assault bike

20 Dual Kettlebell Push Press

Friday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Romanian Deadlift from the rack

EMOM 3

3 Hang Muscle Snatch

EMOM 5

3 Hang Power Snatch

Conditioning:

7 rounds FOR TIME

9 hang power snatch

15 straight arm lateral Burpee Over the bar

9 TTB

1 lap Farmers Carry

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Dan

Sunday Sweat:

40-minute window in teams of 3

2500m row

160 Box Jump Overs

140 Push Ups

120 Dumbbell Hang Clean and Jerk

100 Cal Assault bike

AMRAP Burpees

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 3 2 2 1 low box Back squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 Deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 seconds x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 12

Min 1 - 30 sec Push Ups

Min 2  - 10 Heavy Russian Kettlebell Swing

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-15

GYMNASTICS

This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.

Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals.  We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts.  This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.

MOBILITY

In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.

As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.

Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-15

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 26-15

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

Main Session:

1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery

2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min

Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep

Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 26-15

Monday:

Strength:

Build to a heavy single Behind the Neck Split Jerk

Conditioning:

In a team of 3, 6 mins work 2 mins rest x3

Max Cals C2 Bike

Max Cals Ski Erg

Tuesday:

Strength:

8 minutes to establish a max Squat Clean

Every 2 mins x 4

5 5 3 3 Clean Pull

Conditioning:

Every 3 minutes x 4

Half Park Run

AMRAP

Squat Cleans @ 70%

Wednesday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 6

A- 1.1.1.1 cluster set Strict/Weighted Pull Up

B - 10-20 sec Tuck Sit on Parallettes + 20 sec banded Deadbug Pullover Hold

Conditioning:

Cindy

20-minute AMRAP

5 pull-ups

10 push-ups

15 air squat

Thursday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 8

A: 6/6 hand-supported shin referenced Box Step Ups

B: DB Bench Press 6 reps tempo 30x1

Every 90 seconds x 9

A: 10-12 seated Dumbbell Press

B: 8-16 alternating V-Ups

C: 12-15 Hammer Curl

Conditioning:

3 rounds for time

30/24 Cals Assault bike

20 Dual Kettlebell Push Press

Friday:

Strength:

Every 2 minutes x 5

5 Romanian Deadlift from the rack

EMOM 3

3 Hang Muscle Snatch

EMOM 5

3 Hang Power Snatch

Conditioning:

7 rounds FOR TIME

9 hang power snatch

15 straight arm lateral Burpee Over the bar

9 TTB

1 lap Farmers Carry

Saturday:

Saturday Session with Coach Dan

Sunday Sweat:

40-minute window in teams of 3

2500m row

160 Box Jump Overs

140 Push Ups

120 Dumbbell Hang Clean and Jerk

100 Cal Assault bike

AMRAP Burpees

Sunday Strength:

Every 3 minutes x 5

3 3 2 2 1 low box Back squat

Every 2 minutes x 4

6/6 Deficit  Dumbbell Reverse Lunges

Every 90 seconds x 5

5 Stationary Dips

EMOM 12

Min 1 - 30 sec Push Ups

Min 2  - 10 Heavy Russian Kettlebell Swing

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #26-15

GYMNASTICS

This week, we’re back on the wall with handstand push-ups. Correct body shapes, positional awareness, and working on sending forces in the proper direction are all on the menu. We will begin with HSPU-specific strength work, then move to practicing dynamic movement patterns.

Strength work to finish to get you stronger and make those dynamic moves smoooooth.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week, expect some erg/ capacity work before transitioning straight into some hard run intervals.  We will combine a mixture of Row, Ski, and sled pushes before heading into short 400m efforts.  This is a great session for getting used to running on heavy legs.

MOBILITY

In this fourth session, we continue to deepen mobility and flexibility by exploring more expansive ranges of motion with a calm, controlled approach. Building on the hips and ankles, we’ll also build further on the foot strength and connection work we’ve already introduced, refining the drills and developing greater control, awareness, and resilience through the feet.

As we progress, the focus is on how the feet actively support and influence movement—improving stability, balance, and the ability to access deeper ranges with confidence. By strengthening this foundation, we allow the rest of the body to move more efficiently and with greater ease, creating a stronger, more connected base for everything that follows.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we are breaking down the split jerk and working on footwork into a classic weightlifting complex of clean, front squat, and split jerk.

Emom power clean, deadlifts, and back squats. All the gains.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #26-15

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 26-15

Monday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Fartlek

Today we are running:

Main Session:

1 min at 6/10
1 min recovery
2 mins at 6/10
1 mins recovery
3 mins at 6/10
1 min recovery

2 mins rest, then repeat the above sequence at a 7/10 and 8/10 RPE.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your opportunity to run faster with the wider IFE community and coaches on the athletics track. This week will be tessting your paces at 400, 1km and 3km distances so that you can have accurate pacing strategies going into summer.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: Ladies Run Club

Session: LRC Intervals

If you did not run track yesterday and want some intervals in your life, Weds with LRC is where to be!
8-12 x
400m
60 sec rest

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Session: The Coffee Run

Warm up:
5mins easy as group, then 4mins ramping up the pace every 1min

Main session:
9X
4mins tempo @ 7RPE
1-3mins rec @ 1RPE
*1min increase in recovery after every third rep

Cool down:
Use the last 3mins recovery to cool down, from easy jog to a walk :)

Finish with coffees at Common Grounds.

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