Hello Runner Friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by talking about race day. Can you believe that it's almost here? Think about it. We are less than two weeks away from the Bass Pro Fitness Series Marathon Weekend! Which means, whether you're preparing for the Bass Pro Marathon, the Cohick Half Marathon, or another race that weekend, all those weeks and months of training are about to pay off!
And if you're starting to feel a little nervous, you're certainly not alone! It
As both a runner and a running coach, I can tell you that pre-race jitters are completely normal. In fact, even experienced runners who have completed dozens of races can experience them. In fact, I still get them from time to time.
So what exactly are pre-race jitters?
Pre-race jitters are the feelings of nervousness, excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty that runners experience in the days and weeks leading up to a race. They can show up as butterflies in your stomach, trouble sleeping, restlessness, or even second-guessing your training.
You might find yourself wondering, Did I train enough? What if I can't finish? What if I don't hit my goal pace? What if something goes wrong?
Sound familiar?
As a runner, I've experienced those same thoughts. And as a coach, I've heard them from countless runners, especially those preparing for their first half or full marathon.
Here's what I want you to know: Being nervous doesn't mean you're not ready. It simply means you're about to do something that matters to you!
The good news is that there are several things you can do over the next few days to calm those nerves and arrive at the starting line feeling confident and prepared.
1. Trust Your Training
The hard work is behind you! You've put in the miles, gotten up early, pushed through tough workouts, and made sacrifices to get here. Now is the time to trust the work you've done.
Resist the temptation to squeeze in extra miles or one last hard workout because you're worried you haven't done enough. You won't gain meaningful fitness in these final days, but you can certainly wear yourself out!
The hard work is behind you! You've put in the miles, gotten up early, pushed through tough workouts, and made sacrifices to get here. Now is the time to trust the work you've done.
Resist the temptation to squeeze in extra miles or one last hard workout because you're worried you haven't done enough. You won't gain meaningful fitness in these final days, but you can certainly wear yourself out!
2. Stick to Your Routine
Now is not the time to try new shoes, new foods, or a new training strategy. Stick with what has worked for you throughout your training. Familiar routines help reduce uncertainty and give you one less thing to worry about.
3. Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Your body needs time to recover from all those training miles. Follow your taper plan, prioritize sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated. Remember, rest is part of training, too! You want to arrive at the starting line rested, not exhausted.
4. Have a Race Day Plan
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to eliminate as many unknowns as possible. Familiarize yourself with the course, parking, packet pickup, starting times, and aid stations. Lay out your race gear ahead of time and have your nutrition and hydration plan ready.
The more prepared you are, the less you'll have to think about on race morning.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
You can't control the weather, every hill, or how your body will feel at mile 10, 20, or 26. But you can control your preparation, your attitude, your pacing, and how you respond when things get tough.
Rather than worrying about everything that could go wrong, focus on doing the things that will help you succeed.
6. Remember Why You Started
When those nervous thoughts start creeping in, remind yourself why you signed up in the first place. Maybe you're running to accomplish a lifelong goal, improve your health, honor someone special, or prove to yourself that you can do hard things.
Whatever your reason, don't let the pressure of race day steal the joy of the journey that brought you here.
7. Turn Nervous Energy Into Excitement
Believe it or not, nervousness and excitement can feel very similar physically. Both can cause your heart to race and your stomach to flutter. Instead of telling yourself, I'm so nervous, try saying, I'm so excited!
That simple shift in perspective can help you see those butterflies as anticipation rather than fear. This is an important mental shift.
And here's one final thought from a runner and a coach...
Don't let your fear of what might happen overshadow everything you've already accomplished.
Whether this is your first race or your fiftieth, remember that getting to the starting line is an accomplishment in itself.
You've done the work. You've put in the miles. And now it's almost time to celebrate!
So take a deep breath, trust your training, and enjoy these final days leading up to race weekend.
And when you find yourself standing at that starting line with your heart racing and butterflies in your stomach, look around. You'll be surrounded by people who are probably feeling the exact same way! For real!
And there you have it friends. Those butterflies don't mean you can't do it. They just mean you're ready to spread your wings and see what you can do! So, do what you need to do to calm those pre-race jitters so you'll be ready to step up to the start line soon. Marathon Weekend is going to be amazing!
Happy Running!
No comments:
Post a Comment