Greg Bennett is the Co-founder and Chief of Staff at AnyQuestion. He is also the podcast host of, “One Moment Longer with Greg Bennett” which dives into what makes a world-class athlete and High Performer. Greg is a retired professional triathlete. Greg grew up in Sydney, Australia and found a passion for triathlon at a young age. He competed for Australia at the 2004 Olympics and has raced over 500 international races and won over 100. Greg has won multiple World titles, the worlds largest prize purse wins, and been awarded the International Triathlon Unions President trophy. He has been named one of the “Top 15 Triathletes of all time” (Inside Triathlon, 2011) and “Triathlete of the year” on multiple occasions (Triathlete magazine). Greg had a strong desire to become better and set goals, which helped him reach the highest level in sport and sustain it for almost three decades.

From a chance opportunity to a lifelong passion – my journey into triathlons was shaped by a sense of community and the desire to be like the best. Visualization became an integral part of my training early on, fueling my dreams of success.

Listen to my story and learn how visualization can propel you towards your goals. Join me on AnyQuestion for more insights and inspiration. Let's dive into the world of triathlons together! #TriathlonJourney #VisualizationMatters #DreamBig

Ryan is an entrepreneur committed to building the Dream Team of tech on the East Coast. He grew up north of Boston and has been a Product and People Ops leader in tech over the past 15 years. He is COO at AnyQuestion, and was previously Founder & CEO @ The Operators, Head of Product @ Drizly, and a PM at Wayfair. When not working, Ryan enjoys riding his motorcycle or listening to the All-in Podcast like everybody else. He's a believer in encouraging healthy debate and sharing his knowledge on building killer teams and guiding Operators and Founders through career change. Topics he enjoys talking about are negotiation, compensation, and startups. 

What inspired you to start competing in triathlons and how did visualization become a part of your training routine?

Triathlon Dreams: From Teenage Inspiration to World Champion

What inspired me to start competing in triathlons and how to visualizing become a part of my training routine. Well honestly, I remember 1985, I went out and did a team event in a triathlon. I did, I was going out to do the run, the guy that was going to do, the swim had an asthma attack. So I end up doing the swim and the Run thought. I think I can. I can do all three but it wasn't just the thought that I can do all three. I remember being in that Community around like-minded people that are all just trying to get more out of life and I thought I just love this. Community. And as an insecure teenage kid, having that recognition and belonging and feeling like I was a part of something special, really helped me get through all of those teenage years. But it was pretty soon after that that I got right into the sport. And I started seeing what the best in the world were, who they were Mark Allen, my pig, Scott Molina, and they, these gods of the sport and I just desperately wanted to be like them. And, and so, from a very early age, I was dreaming of being one of those guys and winning the Places like Chicago and and you know Allah and whatever big erasers were around the world and and so too. I started very young. I knew from 16 and 17. This is what I wanted to do with my life. Found the sport of triathlon and dreamed big and look. It took me 10 years to get the world. Number one, it took me 15 years to become the biggest prize money on it. It took me a long time but you know, I love the journey. Cheers.

My love for the triathlon community inspired me to compete in triathlons. Visualizing myself winning big events has become a part of my training routine, as I strive to be like the "gods" of the sport and achieve my dreams.

Unlock the power of visualization in training and hear what inspired me to dive into the world of triathlons 🏊🚴🏃 Tune in now! Don't miss out on more inspiring content, follow me on AnyQuestion.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/tkydqirz1bll0rzjim7l.vtt

What inspired me to start competing in triathlons and how did visualization become part of my training routine? Well, it all began in 1985 when I participated in a team event. I was supposed to do the run, but when the swimmer had an asthma attack, I stepped in and did the swim as well. That experience made me realize that I could do all three disciplines of a triathlon. However, it wasn't just about the physical aspect. What really inspired me was the sense of community and belonging I felt among like-minded individuals who were all striving for more in life. As an insecure teenager, being part of something special helped me navigate those challenging years.

Soon after, I immersed myself in the sport and started learning about the best triathletes in the world, such as Mark Allen, Dave Scott, and Scott Molina. I idolized them and had a burning desire to be like them. From a young age, I dreamt of winning races like Chicago and other prestigious events around the world. I knew that triathlon was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.

I started pursuing my triathlon dreams at the age of 16 or 17. It took me 10 years to become the world number one and 15 years to earn the highest prize money in the sport. The journey was long, but I cherished every moment of it.

As for visualization, it became an integral part of my training routine. I would visualize myself competing at the highest level, winning races, and achieving my goals. This mental practice helped me stay focused, motivated, and prepared for the challenges I would face during races.

In summary, my inspiration to start competing in triathlons came from the sense of community and belonging I found in the sport. Visualizing success became a crucial tool in my training routine, helping me stay mentally strong and focused on my goals.

Visualizing my victory over Peter Robinson in a race was an incredible experience. Months of mental and physical preparation paid off as I anticipated his surges and surpassed him, securing my place. While I didn't win the race that day, the power of visualization was undeniable. 

Listen to my story for more insights on how visualization can help you overcome challenges in your own pursuits.

Follow me on AnyQuestion for more inspiring content and continue your learning journey! #VisualizationP

Can you describe a specific instance where visualization helped you overcome a challenge during a race?

Overcoming Race Surges: A Visualization Success Story

Can you describe a specific instance? We're visualizing helped you overcome a challenge during a race. I have a great story here. So four months I was visualizing having a fantastic performance at the Lifetime Fitness Minneapolis race, which was the world's biggest prize money race for many, many years. And I knew my competitors and who was going to be there. And one specific one was a guy by the name of Peter Robinson. Three-time Australian world champion, just absolutely wonderful athlean. The way he used to do his runs. And outrun the field was he do these massive surge has these massive Sprints, and then recover, and massive, Sprint, and Rico, and I knew that he probably have three in him. So, for months and months, I practiced both of mental and the physical training to prepare for three. Huge sprit efforts from Peter, as he as we were going through this race, and then I was ready for the fourth, and I was going to go and it happened almost identical to the visual process. It was amazing. I remember running with him and he's so, just once and then I ran back up to him sir. Just again, I ran back up. So just again, around back up and then I went on the fourth time and, and yes, I be Peter. I actually didn't win the race. I think my visualizing was very good for Peter Robinson. I think I finished second but either way, I remember fondly because it was something I'd visualized so much that I was ready for his surges and it actually worked out that I got him that day, but remarkable athlete. And I don't want to take anything away from his three World titles that he did when cheers.

I prepared for months to overcome the challenge of running against a three-time Australian world champion Peter Robinson. In the race, he did three huge sprints and I was ready for the fourth. I ended up finishing second, but my visualization was successful in helping me match his surges and get him that day.

Visualizing victory against a formidable competitor 🏃‍♂️ Hear how my mental prep paid off. Watch the inspiring story on AnyQuestion. #visualization #overcomingchallenges

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/kkhhytimbd2n9hhg9hc1.vtt

I have a great story that illustrates how visualization helped me overcome a challenge during a race. Four months prior to the Lifetime Fitness Minneapolis race, which was known as the world's biggest prize money race, I visualized having a fantastic performance. I knew my competitors, including Peter Robinson, a three-time Australian world champion known for his impressive running style.

Peter would do these massive surges and sprints, followed by recovery periods, which allowed him to outrun the field. I anticipated that he would have three such surges in him during the race. So, for months, I mentally and physically trained to prepare for these moments.

As the race unfolded, it happened almost exactly as I had visualized. I ran with Peter, matching his pace each time he surged. I did this three times, just as I had imagined. Then, on the fourth surge, I made my move and managed to surpass him. Although I didn't win the race, finishing second, it was a memorable experience because my visualization had prepared me for Peter's surges.

I want to acknowledge Peter Robinson as a remarkable athlete and not take anything away from his three world titles. However, my visualization practice helped me rise to the challenge and perform at my best on that particular day.

Unlocking the power of visualization for victory! 🏆 Discover my two techniques: static and physical visualizing.

 Dive into my answer to learn how I mentally prepare myself for success during races and training sessions. It's all about intention and focus!

 Follow me on AnyQuestion for more insights and techniques to elevate your performance. Let's visualize greatness together! 🌟 #VisualizationMatters #MindsetMatters #AchieveSuccess

How do you go about visualizing your victories and what techniques do you find most effective?

Mastering the Art of Visualizing Victories: Effective Techniques Revealed

How do I go about visualizing my victories? And what techniques do I find most effective? Well honestly, I do two types of visualizing one. I call static and the other local physical static visualizing is when I'm perhaps lying in bed or I'm lying on a massage table. And I like to stick myself all the way through the race. And I like to just see every part of the race. What the conditions are like, where I am in the race, who's doing, what my competitors, what's the weather? Like, how am I feeling? What kind of words am I using at that point in time? Time and then the other one that's static. And then the other one is the physical training and that physical visualizing and that's what I do in training. So that's the one. I'll go down before I start doing a ROM workout and I'll prepare it in my head. What's the race? Who am I racing? What the conditions, what time of day? What's the course? Like, you know, the smells as much input as I can put before I start actually doing the workout and then if it's intervals, I can just add different layers of content as I go through the the training workout with different Ization. And I tend to get a lot more out of that training workout. If I brought a very strong intentional, mental process to that workout, cheers.

Visualizing victories is an effective technique that can be done either statically (lying in bed or on a massage table) or physically (during training). Static visualization involves imagining the race conditions, competitors, weather, feelings, and words used. Physical visualization involves preparing mentally before the workout and adding layers of content during the workout with visualization.

Step into my mind 🧠✨ Learn my powerful techniques for visualizing victories. Watch now on AnyQuestion. #Visualization #MindPower

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/mgoey7f4x4ggoyvpl529.vtt

When it comes to visualizing my victories, I employ two techniques: static visualization and physical visualization. 

Static visualization occurs when I am in a relaxed state, such as lying in bed or on a massage table. During this time, I mentally take myself through the entire race, envisioning every aspect of it. I imagine the race conditions, my position in the race, the actions of my competitors, the weather, and my own feelings and mindset. This form of visualization allows me to mentally prepare and visualize success.

On the other hand, physical visualization takes place during training. Before starting a workout, I mentally prepare by visualizing the race scenario. I imagine the competitors, the course, the time of day, and even try to incorporate sensory details like smells. As I progress through the workout, especially during intervals, I add layers of content to my visualization, enhancing the mental experience. By approaching training with intentional mental visualization, I find that I can derive greater benefits from the workout.

These techniques of static and physical visualization help me mentally prepare for victories and optimize my training sessions.

New to visualization in training? Here are my top tips:

1. Prepare: Know the details of your upcoming race or event. Visualize the conditions, course, and competitors in vivid detail.

2. Integrate: During intervals or breaks, recalibrate your visualization. Create scenes in your mind of success, with a commentator describing your triumphs.

3. Finish Strong: Always end your visualization with a positive outcome, picturing yourself crossing the finish line as a winner.

Listen to my answer for 

Do you have any tips for athletes who are new to visualization and want to incorporate it into their training?

Maximize Your Training with Visualization: Key Tips for Athletes

Do I have any tips for athletes who are new to visualization and want to incorporate it into their training? Yes. Oh, here's some great tips. Number one, before you start your training session, know what you want to be visualizing if it's a race that's coming up, know about the race. What the conditions are going to be like know what the course is going to be like know who's racing and when I talk about all those things know it in detail. Know the where's the wind going to be coming from? How hot? Is it going to be? You know, what time of day does the race? A start. What are your competitors likely to be doing? You can set the framework up before you start visualizing in your training. Then what I do if I'm doing intervals, I'll do the hard effort, if I'm running, and then in between in my recovery, I re-calibrate my visualizing and it's usually a commentator in my head. There's saying, you know, great benefits in third place and up the road is Young frodeno and Alistair Brownlee. But he's overtaking, you know, have your Gomez and whoever else and I create this scene in between every interval and then I just keep Building it in an inn and it over and over. And then the final tip is make sure you finish by winning. That's always for me. You can visualize all you want but that's have a positive outcome at the end of it. Cheers.

When starting visualization techniques, it is important to know the details of the event you are visualizing. During training, alternate between intervals and visualizing a scene in detail. Finish with a positive outcome.

Boost your athletic performance with visualization techniques 🏃🌟 Learn how to maximize your training by visualizing success. Watch now on AnyQuestion. #VisualizationTips

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/bjgjwaod79zoxuqypy4l.vtt

For athletes who are new to visualization and want to incorporate it into their training, I have some helpful tips. 

Firstly, before starting your training session, have a clear idea of what you want to visualize. If you have an upcoming race, gather detailed information about the race conditions, course, competitors, and other relevant factors. Knowing these details will set the foundation for your visualization.

During your training, incorporate visualization during your recovery periods. For example, if you're doing intervals while running, use the recovery time to recalibrate your visualization. Imagine a commentator in your head describing the race scenario, mentioning your competitors and their positions. Keep building this scene in your mind, repeating it during each interval.

Lastly, always finish your visualization by envisioning a positive outcome, such as winning. While visualization is beneficial, it's important to end on a positive note. Visualize yourself achieving your desired outcome and experiencing success.

By following these tips, athletes can effectively incorporate visualization into their training routine. Cheers!

Striving for balance in triathlon training? Let's dive into the mental aspect!

 Discover how visualization complements physical demands in my answer. Spoiler alert: your thoughts impact your physiology.

 Don't miss out on valuable insights! Listen to my response and unlock the power of mind-body connection.

 Follow me on AnyQuestion for more content and join me on this holistic journey. #TriathlonTraining #MindBodyConnection #Balance

How do you balance the mental aspect of visualization with the physical demands of training for a triathlon?

Unlocking the Power: Balancing Mental Visualization and Physical Demands in Triathlon

How do I balance the mental aspect of visualization with the physical demands of training for a triathlon? Well, they all go together at the end of the day, my physical training, my mental strategies, my nutrition, my sleep, my General Health, my biomechanics and Bodywork, they're all incredibly important in my team and my relationships. All of that adds up for the full package. But if I just look at the mental aspect and the training of for Triathlon, those two things. Well, the mental side does have a physical Fect to quote, Tommy, would dr. Tommy Woody comes on my podcast. That what you think has a direct impact on your physiology? If you think about it, whatever you're thinking both positive and negative is having an effect on your hormones, on your emotions, which then affect your physiology. So, there is a direct effect. The other thing with visualizing, the more you can do it, the more that when you actually go and train and you might be even visualizing in training, you can get more out of those workouts than if you weren't in a positive visualizing setting. So for me, I would always use allies, you utilize visualizing to to get more out of workouts and and when I wasn't working out I'd be doing it on the massage tables and I'd be visualizing a race or whatever else. So it's a very strong connection between the meant the mental and the physical chess.

Visualization and physical training are both important when it comes to training for a triathlon. Visualization has a direct effect on your physiology, hormones, emotions, etc. which can help you get more out of your workouts. Additionally, visualization can be used while working out or even while resting on the massage table.

Unleash the power of visualization in triathlon training! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Dive into my expert advice on balancing the mental and physical aspects. Watch now on AnyQuestion. #TriathlonTraining

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/larifvlwgvapdf9rmey7.vtt

Balancing the mental aspect of visualization with the physical demands of training for a triathlon is crucial. In my experience, all aspects of training, including physical training, mental strategies, nutrition, sleep, general health, biomechanics, and bodywork, are important and work together as a complete package.

When specifically considering the mental aspect and training for a triathlon, it's important to recognize that the mental side has a physical effect. As Dr. Tommy Woody mentioned on my podcast, what you think directly impacts your physiology. Positive and negative thoughts have an effect on your hormones, emotions, and ultimately your physiology.

Visualizing plays a significant role as well. The more you practice visualization, the more you can enhance your workouts. By visualizing during training sessions, you can get more out of those workouts compared to not incorporating positive visualization. Personally, I would utilize visualization to maximize the benefits of my workouts. I would visualize races or other scenarios even when I wasn't actively training, such as during massage sessions.

There is a strong connection between the mental and physical aspects of training for a triathlon. By recognizing and harnessing this connection, you can optimize your performance and achieve your goals.

Visualization: Is it a learned skill or a natural talent for athletes? Let's dive in!

 In my experience, it's a bit of both. Some athletes are natural daydreamers, while others have more logical thinking. But here's the exciting part: visualization can be honed and developed!

 Discover how to unlock your visualization abilities by listening to my answer. Trust me, it's worth exploring.

 Follow me on AnyQuestion for more valuable insights and continue your journey of growth and improvement. Le

Do you believe visualization is a skill that can be learned or is it something that comes naturally to some athletes?

Visualization: A Skill That Can Be Learned or Comes Naturally to Athletes

Do I believe that visualization is a skill that can be learned? Or is it something that comes naturally to some athletes? Well, can I say both? I think some athletes are very comfortable at visualizing their almost the people that Daydream a lot they dream naturally they're always thinking and and then there are others that are very factual engineering type brains, very logical that maybe struggle with the dreaming and I can position this quite well because myself I'm a natural visualizer, it became very easy, very comfortable For me to always dream. Very big visualize, the Little Steps all the way through commentating. My head, there's always something going on my wife. However, struggled with the visualizing, she's very a matter of fact, kind of person very logical thinking that the idea of dreaming and visualizing never came natural to her. So what we would actually do is I do running workouts with her and and, and I'd be commentating and be like, you know, Laura Bennett's off the bike in fourth and, you know, she's looking good and strong and she's bringing in the leaders who are only, you know, 30 seconds. Up the road and I'd visualize the whole commentate for her and create the visual for her in my commentary. But for me visualizing was something that I always it came naturally but I practiced and practiced and practiced it to the point, it became very fluid. Cheers.

Visualization is a skill that some athletes come to naturally, while others need to practice it. I was able to help my wife practice visualizing by giving her detailed commentaries on the runs we did together.

Unlock the power of visualization in sports! 🌟 Discover how some athletes naturally visualize, while others can learn this game-changing skill. Watch now on AnyQuestion. #visualization #sportspsychology

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/rebrjgqwn7jflpruqpxr.vtt

Do I believe that visualization is a skill that can be learned or is it something that comes naturally to some athletes? Well, I think it can be both. Some athletes are naturally inclined to visualize. They are daydreamers, always thinking and dreaming. For them, visualization comes easily and comfortably. On the other hand, there are athletes with more logical and factual thinking patterns, like engineering types, who may struggle with visualization.

I can relate to this because I am a natural visualizer. Dreaming and visualizing has always been effortless for me. I can easily imagine big goals and break them down into smaller steps. I even commentate in my head, creating a vivid visual experience. However, my wife, who is more matter-of-fact and logical, struggled with visualization. So, during our running workouts, I would commentate for her, describing the race scenario and creating the visual imagery.

While visualization came naturally to me, I also practiced and honed this skill. I worked on it until it became fluid and second nature. So, in conclusion, visualization can be a skill that is learned and developed, but it may also come naturally to some athletes.

Greg shares his visualization techniques for developing confidence and poise leading up to the big event. If you've already run it and won it in your mind, it makes everything else a lot easier.

Envisioning the win - How visualizing can help you reach your goals