As athletes we all have our battles. Some are daily, some weekly and at some times in our lives, perpetual. It is 100% okay to let your emotions out. Cry, yell, be angry, be sad, be happy, be inspired, be upset, be scared, be joyous…the list goes on. Don’t hold back and don’t apologize.

Today’s entry may sound as if it’s more of a “life lesson” vs an athlete post, and we’re okay with that as it can be applied to nearly anything – especially athleticism.

Far too often in modern society we bottle our emotions up. We’re taught to “keep it to yourself” or “keep quiet” and stay emotionally in check. While this holds true in certain situations (ie. don’t go grocery shopping if you’re a balling mess of tears, can’t see the road while driving to the store and are sobbing uncontrollably), repressing your emotions has become normalized way too much.

“You’re weak if you cry” – that’s ridiculous. “You’re mean if you’re honest” – this is more about the other person and not you. “You’re nasty if you say no” – that’s just nuts.

Now all of those examples might not directly reflect an emotion (ie. sadness, hurt, happiness, fear etc.) but they are part of the “emotional society” we live in. Staying true to your OWN emotions in a calm respectful manor is one of the best things you can do for yourself and society. Be honest with how you feel. Share what’s got you down, or is motivating you or has you fearful.

As athletes race days and even hard training sessions can be a breakthrough of emotions. A flood of feelings mixed with adrenaline can bring tears (happy tears or sad tears). Don’t hold back. Let your emotions out and embrace what’s happening. Your body knows how to feel and what to do – sometimes your head gets in the way!

What emotions do you experience on race days? How do you best take care of yourself with these emotions? Do you let them out?