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.

In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, we dive into a question from a high school sport psychology class: How do mentalities differ between individual and team sports? We break down the unique psychological challenges and benefits of each athletic environment.

We talk about:

• Team vs. Individual Sports: Discover how the mental approaches vary when competing in a team setting compared to going solo.
• Effective Communication & Adaptability: Learn why these skills are crucial for success in sports.
• Managing Pressure in Individual Sports: Understand the specific stresses faced by solo athletes.
• Running: A Blend of Social and Individual Dynamics: Explore how running can be both a personal and community-driven activity.
• Conflict Resolution & Mental Health: Gain insights into managing conflicts on and off the field while maintaining optimal mental well-being.
• Weightlifting Wisdom: Hear expert advice on being an excellent training partner.
• Community Building in Track and Field: See how strong support networks can boost performance.
• Support Systems for Individual Athletes: Get practical strategies to build and maintain a robust support system.

Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:

https://lidiagarcia.net/

Follow Lidia on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g

https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/

Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:

www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

Check out my new website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

Why Listen?

Whether you’re an athlete or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights into sport psychology that can help improve performance and mental resilience. Tune in now to enhance your understanding of athletic mentalities and elevate your game!

In this episode of The Mentally Fit Athlete, hosts we dive into the complex interplay between athletic performance and mental health following natural disasters such as the recent Southern California wildfires. They explore how athletes, coaches, and communities can adapt, heal, and thrive when faced with unexpected disruptions.

We talk about:

• Impact of Wildfires on athletes
• Coping mechanisms post disaster
• Community support and advocacy
• Survivors guilt and resources

Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:

https://lidiagarcia.net/

Follow Lidia on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g

https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/

Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:

www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

Check out my new website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

We explore the world of athlete mental health- on and off the field. We discuss the pressures athletes face and the essential support structures for long-term well-being.

We talk about:

• Athlete mental health beyond sport
• Enjoyment versus performance pressure in sport
• Helping young athletes to avoid burnout
• Unique social and cultural pressures on female athletes
• How coaches can recognize the need for mental health support for athletes
• Coaches’ role in athlete mental health
• Financial stress and mental health impact on athletes

Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:

https://lidiagarcia.net/

Follow Lidia on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g

https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/

Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:

www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

Check out my new website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social

Is sport 80% mental? Is sport psychology for the mentally weak? Will therapy make you lose your competitive edge? Will sport psychology make me a champion? Isn't sport psychology just common sense? Isn't talent something you're either born with or without? In our first episode, we dispel myths that are holding back athletes from performing their best and enjoying their sport. Let's get started!

Check out Lidia Garcia, MSW website:

https://lidiagarcia.net/

Follow Lidia on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/liddie.g

https://www.instagram.com/pasadena.runclub/

Check out Dr. Jason von Stietz's website:

www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

Check out my new website!

https://www.drjasonvonstietz.com

Follow Dr. Jason on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/cbtsportpsych

https://bsky.app/profile/cbtsportpsych.bsky.social