Chapter 73: Training the Mind

The next few weeks saw Rohan adopting a more holistic approach to his training. His new regimen wasn't just about sprints, endurance, and strength training—it was about sharpening his mind and preparing it for the challenges ahead.In the mornings, Rohan continued to push his body to its limits on the track, focusing on efficiency, speed, and form. He was running longer distances now, increasing his pace with each session. His hamstring, once a source of constant worry, was holding up well. Rajiv, his physiotherapist, had been cautiously optimistic about his recovery, and Rohan could feel his body growing stronger and more resilient with each passing day.But the afternoons were reserved for something entirely different: mindfulness and mental training. At first, the idea of sitting still, closing his eyes, and focusing on his breathing had felt strange. Rohan was a man of action, someone who thrived on movement and physical challenges. Sitting in silence seemed counterintuitive to everything he knew about training.Yet, as he worked with Dr. Kapoor on mindfulness techniques, Rohan began to understand the value of stillness. It wasn't about doing nothing—it was about training his mind to stay present, to let go of distractions, and to focus on the here and now. Whether he was sitting in Dr. Kapoor's office or practicing at home, Rohan learned how to anchor himself in the present moment, to quiet the constant chatter in his mind, and to find clarity.It wasn't easy. In fact, it was one of the hardest things he had ever done. His mind constantly wandered, jumping from one thought to the next. Sometimes, he found himself thinking about upcoming races, about Arjun and the other competitors who were still dominating the circuit. Other times, his mind drifted to the injury itself, to the fear that still lurked in the back of his mind. But each time, Dr. Kapoor gently guided him back to his breath, reminding him that mindfulness wasn't about perfect focus—it was about returning to the present moment, over and over again.And slowly, Rohan began to feel the difference. The more he practiced mindfulness, the more in control he felt. He noticed it not just during meditation, but during his training sessions as well. When he was running, he found it easier to stay focused on his form, his breathing, and his pace. When his legs burned with fatigue, or when doubt crept into his mind, he was able to pull himself back to the present, to remind himself that he could handle whatever the race threw at him.One morning, after a particularly intense interval session, Rohan stood at the edge of the track, catching his breath. His legs felt strong, his body responsive, but it was his mind that felt the most different. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't worried about reinjury. He wasn't thinking about what could go wrong or whether he was capable of competing at the highest level again. He was simply present, focused on the work he was doing.Ms. Mehra approached him, a rare smile on her face. "You're looking sharper out there," she said, her eyes scanning him. "Something's changed."Rohan wiped the sweat from his forehead, nodding. "Yeah. I feel it, too. It's like… I'm not fighting myself anymore."Ms. Mehra raised an eyebrow. "Fighting yourself?""For a while, I felt like I was constantly battling my own mind," Rohan explained. "The fear, the doubt—it was all holding me back. But now, I'm learning to stay focused. To stay present. Dr. Kapoor's been helping with that."Ms. Mehra nodded approvingly. "It shows. You're running more efficiently. You're not wasting energy on second-guessing yourself or holding back. It's all coming together."Rohan smiled, feeling a sense of pride. He had worked hard to get to this point, both physically and mentally. But he knew there was still more to do.Later that afternoon, Rohan sat in Dr. Kapoor's office, reflecting on his progress. They had just finished another mindfulness session, and Rohan felt a deep sense of calm and clarity."You've made great strides, Rohan," Dr. Kapoor said, his tone warm. "But I want to take this a step further. We've been focusing on managing fear and staying present during training, but now we need to prepare you for competition."Rohan nodded, eager to hear what Dr. Kapoor had in mind. "What do you suggest?""We're going to start working on something called 'performance visualization,'" Dr. Kapoor explained. "You've been using visualization to see yourself running, to manage fear. But now, I want you to visualize specific races. Imagine yourself at the starting line, the feel of the competition, the pressure of the crowd. Picture every detail as vividly as possible, and then visualize yourself running the race. See yourself handling every challenge, pushing through the fatigue, and finishing strong."Rohan leaned forward, intrigued. "So it's like preparing for a race mentally, before it even happens?""Exactly," Dr. Kapoor said. "The more you visualize success, the more your mind will start to believe it's possible. When you step onto the track for your next race, you'll feel like you've already been there. You'll be mentally prepared for the pressure, for the fear, and for the competition."Rohan liked the sound of that. He had always believed in the power of mental preparation, but this took it to another level. He had spent months building his body back up, strengthening his hamstring and regaining his speed. Now, it was time to prepare his mind for the races that lay ahead.Dr. Kapoor led Rohan through the first performance visualization exercise, guiding him step by step. Rohan closed his eyes, imagining himself at the starting line of a major race. He could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the competition around him. He imagined the heat of the sun on his back, the sound of the crowd buzzing with anticipation.As the visualization continued, Rohan saw himself running the race. He pictured every detail—the feel of the track beneath his feet, the rhythm of his breathing, the strain in his legs as he pushed himself harder and faster. He imagined his competitors closing in, the pressure building, but he stayed calm. He focused on his form, his efficiency, and his mental strength. In his mind, he finished the race strong, crossing the finish line ahead of the pack.When the exercise was over, Rohan opened his eyes, feeling a surge of energy. It had felt so real, so vivid. For the first time in a long time, he could see himself winning again—not just as a hope or a distant dream, but as something tangible."How did that feel?" Dr. Kapoor asked, studying Rohan's expression."It felt… powerful," Rohan admitted. "Like I was really there. Like I was ready."Dr. Kapoor smiled. "Good. Because you are ready. You've done the physical work, and now you're doing the mental work. When the time comes for your next race, you'll be prepared."Rohan left the session that day with a renewed sense of purpose. His body was ready, and now his mind was catching up. The fear that had once held him back was fading, replaced by a quiet confidence. He knew there were still challenges ahead, still races to win and competitors to face. But for the first time since his injury, Rohan felt like he was in control.He was no longer running from fear—he was running toward his future.