Whatever level or age you are at, having the support of a coach/mentor can help guide you through different phases of your running. We can work with you or as part of your team helping link with your coach, physio etc.
One such area is the junior to senior transition which, has been widely researched with consensus that it is the most difficult period of an athlete’s career (Franck & Stambuvlova, 2020) with only one third of junior athletes making a successful transition to senior levels (Stambuvlova & Ivarsson, 2016).
The transition age is between 18-24 (Bennie & O’Connor, 2006), however, the years leading up to this are an important consideration. Enoksen’s(2011) twenty-five-year study of Norwegian track and field athletes identified the highest dropout rate from sport occurred at seventeen years old, with a higher percentage being females. The reasons identified for this statistic were injury, educational demands and social factors. Corrales and Olaya-Cuartero, (2022) backed up this study with their findings, identifying a high dropout rate between 14- 17 years, with a higher rate also of females.
It is important for athletes to strive to achieve a life balance, developing sport specific knowledge, a focus on personal growth and making the most of opportunities (Drew et al., 2019), something which a coach/mentor can help with. A reappearing barrier to transition is the change of environment, from school education to university or working, trying to balance this with run training is difficult.
Hollings et al., (2014) identified three main reasons athletes were unsuccessful in transitioning to senior ranks, namely, injury, conflicts with coaches and a lack of guidance and personal management.
Again, something we can help with.The shift in management from parent and club to the athlete occurs at different stages of development. If an athlete learns to self-regulate and be less reliant on support networks, they will deal with setbacks and adapt to life challenges (MacNamara et al., 2010). Helping athletes develop coping strategies and psychological skills training can improve the enjoyment, health and continued participation in sport.“
A participants potential is dependent on the acquisition and implementation of a broad set of psychological skills” (Abraham et al., 2014). Using a bio psycho-social model perspective, can help understand the development and behaviours of the athlete (Abraham et al 2014) and by fostering a growth mindset, helps athletes cope with stress and adapt to challenges during development (MacNamara et al 2010).
Helping you develop psychological skills for competition and life enabling better coping strategies as your career progresses. This can alleviate stress and improve athlete confidence and enjoyment of your sport.
An initial discussion would take place to see what and how much support was suitable on an individual basis.
In person and online options available.