UCLA cross country will face stiff competition from nationally ranked teams Saturday, as it races in the largest meet of its season thus far – the Wisconsin adidas Invitational.
The meet, which will showcase some of the nation’s best talent, has the Bruins focused on mental toughness.
“The biggest factor between success and failure, mediocrity and greatness, is your mental game,” said coach Forest Braden. “Your body is capable of doing amazing things, but your mind is telling you not to. If you can overcome that weakness, anything is possible.”
To help prepare mentally, the athletes watched video footage and familiarized themselves with the course and the pace they need to maintain at different points of the race. This kind of strategy is just as important as physical training, the Bruins said.
“It’s 100 percent mental,” said senior Zack Torres. “You know the course and you’re prepared. You’ve trained hard. Before the race, it’s all about getting in the mindset to try to ignore the pain. When it hurts, keep going.”
Another factor that helps UCLA during mentally and physically exhausting races is support from teammates.
“The way that our team works together gives us the strength and encouragement to get through it,” said senior Elle Sanders. “It’s a painful sport, but when you’re running with your team, knowing they’re working hard for you and you’re working hard for them makes it a lot easier.”
So far this support has worked for the Bruins. The men and women are currently undefeated, having won races at the Mustang Challenge, NCAA Preview and, most recently, against the USC women’s team last week.
The Wisconsin Invitational will give the Bruins the chance to face new competition.
“This is a really big meet for our team because we need to do well in order to be a nationally ranked team. Our team is ready to work together. We’ve been running faster every day,” Sanders said.