Dissociation

Dissociation decreases pain when training or when in competitions. Rather than concentrating on the effort, tiredness, or pain, the athlete may chat with other people, sing, glance about, or daydream. Failing to pay attention to the pain enables athletes to cope with lengthy activities as their brains concentrate on other things rather than the effort. Dissociation is used by athletes in activities such as long-distance racing, cycling, or triathlon. Dissociation makes athletes feel like they are working less hard and enables them to stay driven over long distances.