What factors can limit an athlete from achieving their full potential?

Everyone will have their own ambitions as a runner…the pure pleasure of it, maybe to lose weight and for some, to reach a specific target…what then could prevent you from achieving any of your dreams?

In its simplest form, there may be physical limitations, as chronic or acute injuries can disrupt training and performance. Genetics will then play a part to an extent…natural limits in muscle fiber type, body composition, and physiology may set a ceiling. Overtraining or under training can create an imbalance in training load, leading to stagnation or even regression.

Nutrition and recovery will play a part…think poor diet, sleep, or recovery, which will reduce performance.

We then turn to psychological factors…mental toughness and focus. Think of fear of failure or even success. Performance anxiety or limiting beliefs in our subconscious. Without sustained drive and discipline, progress will flat line.

Goal setting and planning is important…without clear, structured goals, athletes will not have that impetus to strive to improve, excited by the goal!

Resources are also important…this can be as simple as wearing the correct running shoes and having access to the right coaching, facilities, and nutrition…even medical care, as mentioned earlier in terms of injuries.

In the planning process, it’s also about picking the right races…not too much too soon but a gradual increase in standard, distance, and performance.

Like many things in life, much is down to hard work and commitment…believing in yourself and recognising that anything worth having does not happen overnight! While there are no short cuts, the achievement of cleverly created goals will become an immense pleasure and achievement.

“Never stop aiming to be your best version of YOU”!