I’m obsessed with the idea that our mind is as powerful or even more powerful than our body. With all my experiences in ultra-endurance mountain biking, I’ve seen over and over that mental toughness really plays a roll in how hard you can push yourself and what you believe you are capable of. I was thrilled to find the book: Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson. It was jam packed with really interesting research on whether limits live in our mind or our body. I also looked up Alex and learned that he is a National Magazine Award-winning journalist whose work appears in Outside, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and more. Another fun thing I learned was that he is a very accomplished runner, running on the Canadian National Team and even more interesting, he is actually Dr. Alex Hutchinson – he has his PhD in Physics. Getting a PhD in Physics would be the true test for pain tolerance! I did my Master’s in Electrical Engineering which is basically all Applied Physics and it is really something else. I can’t imagine doing the full monty and getting a PhD in Physics!
Listen Now
Topics Discussed in the Podcast
- pacing and our perception of speed (the example in the book is why you can speed up at the end of a marathon when you see the finish line)
- the myth of VO2 Max being the indicator of performance
- physiology testing: in a race vs in the lab
- evidence and empirical data about positive self talk
- how self-talk can change perception of things like heat or altitude
- can you train your brain
- mental fatigue’s effects on physical fatigue
- brain’s perception of hydration
- practical tips on how to use these topics for your own performance
Links
- Get his book! Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson
- Or get it on Audible
- Alex’s Twitter: @sweatscience
- Alex’s Website
- LIMITS LIVE IN OUR MINDS Stem Caps I mentioned
Friend of the Podcast: Küat Racks
Join! Plant-Powered Tribe Facebook Group
Shop My Store – Moxy & Grit
Support the Show
If you would like to support the growth my show, I’d love your contribution on. Patreon. The current production of this free show is primarily supported out of my own pocket and a small portion is covered through the donations on Patreon. With my Patreon page, you can donate directly to the show which will help me cover the costs and help it grow! Even 4 bucks a month- the cost of one coffee per month helps a LOT! Thanks, I really appreciate your support!
Crowdfunding on Patreon – thank you!
Leave a review or share on social media
Don’t forget to subscribe!
Thanks for listening!
One Comment