Pre-Race Nerves: The Best Version of Yourself
I’ve always been passionate about running fast. Some people are motivated by winning, but I am motivated by running as fast as possible. I would rather set a new Personal Best time and lose, than win with a slow time. (Well, I would rather have both!)
Because of my motivation to run fast, I went through a phase in my racing where I would set a fast pace early on and “try to hold on.” I would spend all my energy trying to keep up and then just “see what happens” in the final lap. But then I would have a very lackluster final lap with no kick (finishing sprint).
After a string of these races I started to think I didn’t have a kick. I would worry about fading to the finish of my next race.
I had to remind myself of the truth: I still had a kick, I just needed to be more patient and actually measure my effort. It doesn’t matter how fit or talented you are, if you go too hard too soon you won’t have a good finish.
I’ve had poor performances and wondered if I was not fit. (Truth: one “off” day doesn’t make you suddenly lose all your fitness.) I’ve made stupid tactical mistakes that made me question my racing instincts. (Truth: No one is a perfect tactician.)
Probably the best race of my career. I thought about this one a lot!
Photo courtesy of Athletics Canada.
No matter who you are and how well you prepare, there will be some bad days and disappointing performances. But if you become fixated on your mistakes or letdowns, you will usher in doubt and uncertainty before your next race. Do not allow a bad race change the way you view yourself as a runner!
Somehow, the mistakes, bad days and disappointments seem to stand out don’t they? To fight against these memories and against pre-race anxiety, I would intentionally remind myself of my best moments and my strengths. Leading up to races I would:
Watch video replays of my very best races
Read my training log entries from those races
Look at photos from my successful days on the track
Close my eyes and re-live my best performances
I’m fortunate to have video of many of my races. This is a clip I have watched many times to remind myself I have a kick!
Finishing sprint at the World Indoor Championships. I placed 4th and was later upgraded to the Bronze.
Putting it into Practice
It takes intentionality to define yourself by your strengths instead of by your weaknesses, mistakes and areas needing improvement. Before your next race, schedule some time to spend reviewing your strong performances and reliving those moments. Reliving the race should include much more than just the outcome, but also the decisions you made in the race, the feeling of running well, being tough, and finding your ability to finish strong.
If you don’t have videos or photos to look at, that’s okay! The next time you run great, take a pic to commemorate it for this very purpose. If you don’t have a training log, spend some time writing down everything you can remember about a great race. After your next good run, write or type out your memories soon after while it’s all fresh. And remember that even if the outcome wasn’t what you wanted, there are always things you well so make sure to write those down!
More Strategies Coming Up!
More strategies coming including distraction, breathing and changing your mood on purpose. Stay tuned!
Do you want to run GREAT more consistently?
Nicole Sifuentes is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. Read more about her services, and schedule your free consultation today!