In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, a Los Angeles running coach asks: “How can athletes manage pre-workout anxiety?” Dr. Jason von Stietz and Lidia Garcia, MSW share simple, science-backed mental tools to help runners and endurance athletes cultivate confidence, focus, and a growth-oriented mindset before every workout.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding Pre-Workout Anxiety

• Impact of Social Apps on Athlete Stress

• Having your mission in mind as an athlete

• Journaling, Therapy & Support Systems

Featured Resources & Links:

Lidia Garcia, MSW• Website: ⁠lidiagarcia.net⁠• Instagram: ⁠@liddie.g⁠• Pasadena Run Club: ⁠@pasadena.runclub⁠

Dr. Jason von Stietz• Website: ⁠drjasonvonstietz.com⁠• Instagram: ⁠@cbtsportpsych⁠• Bluesky: @cbtsportpsych

In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, listeners get an in-depth look at the mental and physical challenges of the Los Angeles Marathon. Dr. Jason von Stietz shares his firsthand experience being a part of the very first medical psychology team integrated into the LA Marathon’s medical tents. Lidia Garcia, MSW, a seasoned runner and sport psychology practitioner, shares valuable insights into the real-world applications of mental training in endurance sports.

Key Topics Explored:

• Medical Psychology’s Impact: The episode examines how specialized psychological support is changing marathon care.
• Innovative Medical Tents: Insights into groundbreaking strategies and operations that are redefining race-day medical support.
• Sport Psychology in Practice: A deep dive into the mental hurdles athletes face and the actionable strategies to overcome them.
• On-the-Spot Runner Support: A look at the immediate solutions provided to athletes in the thick of the race.
• Overcoming Adversity: Strategies for bouncing back from setbacks and injuries.
• Emotional Resilience: How athletes manage the emotional impacts of injuries and maintain long-term health.
• Inclusivity in Marathons: Efforts to make marathons more accessible and supportive for everyone.
• Community and Festivity: Celebrating the unifying spirit and vibrant atmosphere that characterizes marathon events.
• The Rise of Psychological Support: An exploration of the growing role of mental training in endurance sports.

Featured Resources & Links:

Lidia Garcia, MSW
• Website: lidiagarcia.net
• Instagram: @liddie.g
• Pasadena Run Club: @pasadena.runclub

Dr. Jason von Stietz
• Website: drjasonvonstietz.com
• Instagram: @cbtsportpsych
• Bluesky: @cbtsportpsych

Why Listen?

This episode is a must-listen for marathoners, road racers, and endurance athletes of all kinds. By delving into topics like effective support systems, adaptation strategies, and the practical applications of mental toughness, the discussion offers listeners a roadmap for overcoming setbacks and thriving both in sport and in life.

Tune in to hear how innovative mental strategies and first-hand experiences can empower athletes to elevate their performance and conquer their next challenge.

In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, we dive into how athletes can bounce back from setbacks using proven psychological strategies and mental skills. Discover expert insights into refocusing under pressure, stopping negative spirals, and building resilience in sports.

What You’ll Learn:

• Refocusing After Setbacks: Practical methods for athletes to regain focus after a setback.
• Overcoming Mental Challenges: Explore common obstacles in maintaining concentration and how to tackle them.
• Stopping Negative Spirals: Mental skills designed to break the cycle of self-doubt and anxiety.
• Ken Ravizza’s Pressure Techniques: Learn about Ken Ravizza’s approach to handling pressure in high-stakes moments.
• The Yellow Light Analogy: Understand how a simple analogy can transform your mindset in sports.
• Effective Breathing Techniques: Breathing exercises tailored for athletes to enhance performance.
• Visualization for Preparation: Strategies for using visualization to mentally prepare for competition.
• Stages of Competency in Mental Skills: Identify and master the different levels of mental skills development.

Resources & Links:

Lidia Garcia, MSW

• Website: lidiagarcia.net
• Instagram: @liddie.g
• Pasadena Run Club: @pasadena.runclub

Dr. Jason von Stietz

• Website: drjasonvonstietz.com
• Instagram: @cbtsportpsych
• Bluesky: @cbtsportpsych

Tune in for an in-depth discussion that equips you with the mental tools to elevate your athletic performance and overcome setbacks effectively. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, these insights will empower you to build a resilient and focused mindset.

Why Listen?

This episode offers valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and sport enthusiasts seeking to enhance mental resilience and performance. From exploring how mentality shifts in team versus individual sports to uncovering strategies for conflict resolution and effective communication, our experts provide practical advice rooted in real-world experience. Tune in to learn how to build a robust support system, adapt to new challenges, and thrive both on and off the field.