Introduction to Unleash The Champion
Ryan went out for track for the first time during his senior year in high school. After learning the techniques taught in this book he became District Champion and All State. The next year as a freshman in college he became National Champion in his event. Ryan came to realize that succeeding in his event was something that he not only believed he could do, but was something that he totally enjoyed doing. He learned how to unleash the champion.
Another young man named Chris was a very talented athlete and in previous years he would win all of his races prior to the State Meet in Cross Country and Track. However, when the State Meet would come around, he would fold and perform much worse than expected. During his senior track season we worked on many of the things available to you in this book. In the State Meet he became a dual State Champion. He finally reached his potential at just the right time. Later in his career he became one of the elite runners to break the four minute mile. He also was a surprise qualifier for the 1500 meter finals in the 2004 Olympic Trials. He learned how to unleash the champion.
Every time I recall memories such as those mentioned above I realize what a wonderful time I have had working with athletes over the last thirty years. My sincere intention with this book is that you will be impacted in a similar positive way.
My own athletic career included the following accomplishments. In high school I was the starting running back on our football team which won two State Championships. I was also captain of the varsity basketball team. In track I was a three time State Champion and All American. Over 35 years later I still hold my high school’s record in the 200 and the 400 meters. In college I focused on track and became conference champion in the 400 meters, was voted most valuable track athlete and achieved All American status. I mention these accomplishments because I believe that I was able to reach my full potential in athletics and it was probably 70% due to the mental conditioning and 30% due to the physical conditioning. I am convinced that the mental training is what gave me a huge edge over what someone with my same physical characteristics could have done.
Because of my passion for sports and working with young people I found time to coach football, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball and track and field. Working with athletes confirmed what I learned as an athlete. What goes on between your ears has much more impact on your athletic performance than your level of talent or physical fitness.
The material in this book applies to all athletes regardless of age, gender, experience, skill level or sport.
This book is a must read for coaches as well. Consider this book your coach’s manual for mental conditioning. All coaches talk about the importance of the mental side of the game, but how many coaches actually have effective tools to teach their athletes? Within this book coaches will find proven techniques so they can coach mental conditioning and improve their athlete’s performance.
Remember, you will get out of this material what you put into it. Do the exercises, answer the questions, be creative, take your time, relax and know that you can be better at your sport than you are today and at the same time you can truly enjoy your sport more than ever before. Yes, you can reach your full potential. Yes, you can Unleash The Champion.
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