These 10 tips will help you combat race day jitters with ease.
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10 Ways to Conquer Race-Day Jitters
Written by
Marcy Gialdo
No matter what your experience or preparation is leading into a race, most likely you will experience some kind of race-related nerves. For some, it doesn't start until they get to the event. For others, it can start days or even weeks leading up to the event.
These 10 tips will help you combat race day jitters with ease.
These 10 tips will help you combat race day jitters with ease.
Follow Your Training Plan
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If you are physically prepared for your race, you will likely have one less thing to worry about.
Know Your Race Course
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If you live locally, drive or train on your race course. Knowing the course will alleviate questions about what's to come in your race. If you don't live locally, review your athlete's guide which will include maps and descriptions of the course.
FInd:
Your Next RaceKnow Race Day Details
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When does the race start? Is there gear drop off? When does the transition area close? Where will you meet your loved ones when it is over?
Plan Your Outfit
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Seriously! Plan what you will wear—every aspect. Watch the weather and made sure it is appropriate and practice, practice, practice in your gear.
FInd:
Your Next RacePlan Your Nutrition
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Just like your outfit, you should have practiced nutrition during your training. What will you eat? What will you drink? Do you have your favorite flavors on hand? Be sure to plan and pack exactly what you need.
Make a Mental Plan for Your Race
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Review the course in your mind leading up to race day. Where will you need to remind yourself to relax, breath or push harder? Visualize yourself in your race over and over.
FInd:
Your Next RaceMake Lists
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This is extremely helpful as race day approaches. Write your concern/question/task down on paper and get it out of your head making it one less worry.
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Your Next RaceDon't Rush
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Leave yourself plenty of time on race day. Feeling rushed or possibly running late could make for a very upset stomach.
Center Yourself
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Remember that mental plan? Review it one more time. Close out the surrounding chaos of the race start. Close your eyes, see the course and focus only on the task at hand.
FInd:
Your Next RaceSmile
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Remember why you race. Think of all your training that has gone into this day. Be grateful for the experience, no matter how scared, anxious, excited you might be. Feel proud that you got yourself to the starting line and let the race begin!