Race Day Mindset
It’s pretty common to feel nervous as race day approaches. If you’re anything like me, you’re just going about your daily life, then your upcoming race comes to mind and suddenly there’s a wave of anxiety, sometimes even a touch of dread. So you put it out of mind and try not to think about it too much.
But where does this anxiety come from? Why do we feel this way about a race we willingly signed up for and that we still legitimately want to run?
© Sifuentes Coaching 2022
Thoughts are Powerful
Race day nerves come from our thoughts - specifically, our negative thoughts. We focus on what might go wrong, the unknowns, and the “what ifs.”
We also tend to focus on our weaknesses rather than our strengths - like that one awful long run we dropped out of instead of all the other long runs we successfully completed.
We worry we won’t achieve our desired outcome.
But we can turn race day anxiety into race day anticipation by intentionally choosing different thoughts.
Instead of thinking about what could go wrong, imagine all the things that could go right.
Instead of worrying that you’ll repeat a past mistake, remember all the times you ran well.
Instead of stressing that you might not get the outcome you want, promise yourself to empty the tank no matter what.
And remind yourself of the energy and excitement of race day! It’s going to be fun!!!
Read More about Intentional Thinking:
Pre-Race Nerves: Your Race Plan
Training Your Mind: Mental Strategies from an Olympic Runner
Crush Your Virtual Race (Part I: Mindset)
In The Zone: Become a better runner by improving your focus (Part I)
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.