Stress Free Races with a Strong Mental Focus

Race day is almost here! You’ve trained, watched your nutrition and have envisioned the starting line 1292 times. Are you mentally ready?

Maybe it’s your first race…maybe it’s your 50th. Regardless of what type of race, distance, how hard or easy it may be or how much doubt is swirling in your head…try these three tips to calm yourself down on race morning. Stress free races come from a strong mental focus, and this comes with practice!

CALMING DEEP BREATHES – This one is a staple for a reason – it works! At whatever point in time seems best to you on race morning (before the start, right when you’re stretching or setting up or after a quick chat with friends) – take at least two minutes (or longer if you’d like) and take SLOW but PURPOSEFUL & POWERFUL deep breathes. Focus on good paced breathing, pause for 1 second and then exhale with a bit of forcefulness and purpose.

PICTURE YOUR RACE PLAN – Visualization is HUGE for almost anything in life, especially a race day athletic event. Envision what it’s like getting out of the water (if you’re doing a triathlon) or what running for the first mile vs the 4th mile will feel like. Imagine yourself stopping at the aid station to catch your breath or grab a drink of electrolyte tea. Maybe a bathroom break. These small pictures in your mind help you do things without a huge amount of focus. Visualize a good race morning and it will present itself that way for you.

FORGET THE FEAR – You control ALL the thoughts and doubt in your own mind! Remember that! Not your friends, family, coworkers, boss, neighbor – no one else has actual direction of the doubt IN your mind. Ditch fear on race morning by being kind to yourself, focusing on positive aspects of the race and race day and know that you are prepared and strong enough to complete your goals.

Own these tips at one of our races this season…you’ll have a blast and find the stress has melted away! What are your go to stress free tips? What works for you and what do you like?