No matter how much you plan for every eventuality, if you are a competitor in any kind of event, you will know they rarely run smoothly. Whether that’s the event themselves or your own performance.

Something will always happen when you least expect it. But it’s how you react to something not quite going to plan that will determine what your end result is.

Competing is stressful, that’s a fact. Competing is also highly unpredictable especially when the red mist of competition descends. Not only that but the weather, terrain, and even your fellow athletes performances can impact and hinder your own plan.

Being adaptable in a competitive situation involves making adjustments on the fly based on the circumstances you encounter. You want to be able to quickly assess the situation and adjust your plan in a timely and efficient manner.

What if there is a sudden change in weather?

Would you need to adjust your nutrition, hydration and pacing?

What if you encounter strong winds, rain, or extreme heat?

What if a competitor made a mistake or slowed dramatically?

Would you slow down, or would you make a calculated decision to deviate from your original plan and attack them?

But if you did attack, how would that affect your own performance?

Would you be able to hold that extra pace for a sustained period?

How would you react if they then came back to overtake you?

As much as being adaptable is about seizing on unexpected opportunities and taking advantage of them, it is also important that whatever decision you make doesn’t have a detrimental effect on your own performance. Additionally, adaptability can, and will, help you overcome setbacks and challenges. You should be able to promptly reassess your approach, and find alternative solutions to maintain your focus and determination.

Ultimately, being capable of adapting your plan on the fly will allow you to navigate the dynamic nature of a competition, optimise your performance, and increase your chances of success.

HOW DO YOU BECOME ADAPTABLE?

Becoming adaptable with any plan you deploy requires a combination of preparation, mental flexibility, and experience. Here are some of my top 6 tips to help you develop that adaptability.

1. Comprehensive preparation

   Start by thoroughly studying the race course, including its terrain, elevation changes, and any potential challenges. Understand the conditions you might encounter, such as weather patterns or technical aspects of the route. This knowledge will provide a strong foundation for adapting your plan.

2. Develop numerous alternative race plans

   Whilst having a plan is important, it’s also equally as important to create backups. Consider different scenarios that might arise during the race and outline alternative approaches for each. This way, you'll be mentally prepared to adjust your plan as needed.

3. Stay attuned to race conditions

   During the race, pay close attention to the environment, the behaviour of other athletes, and any changes in circumstances. Continuously assess the situation and evaluate how it might impact your race plan. Is there section you struggle on? Can you get in-front before it so you don’t lose time or places?

4. Mental flexibility and adaptability

   Cultivate a mindset that embraces change and is open to adjusting plans. Be prepared to let go of a rigid plan and make quick decisions based on the current situation. This flexibility allows you to respond effectively to unexpected challenges or opportunities.

5. Experience and learning

   Enter more races and events. Try different distances. They will all provide valuable experience that helps develop adaptability. Always reflect on and review your races, identifying instances where adjustments were necessary and analyse the outcome. Use these insights to refine your approach and enhance your ability to adapt in the future. Did you get dropped towards the end of the race? Did you waste your energy at the start by sprinting out of the blocks? Were you attacking too much early on?

6. Practice adaptability in training

   Incorporate flexibility into your training sessions by occasionally altering your planned workouts. If your not feeling like a flat 10km run, switch it to intervals instead. You could intentionally introduce changes such as different routes, pacing strategies, or simply make sure you train in adverse weather conditions. All of this practice can help develop your ability to adapt and problem-solve on the go.

I personally look at adaptability as just another skill to learn. A skill that improves over time, with patience, practice and experience. By combining preparation, mental flexibility, and a willingness to learn, you can become more adaptable with your race plan which will undoubtedly help to optimise your performance in a variety of conditions.