Nothing can derail a good effort more than the psychological stress of pre-race anxiety. No matter how much training, no matter how much preparation, if you’re overly nervous at the start of a race the physical tolls can be hugely disruptive to your performance.
In all of the racing I’ve done, I still find it difficult to quell the internal turbulence that inevitably arises on race day. I’ve tried a number of strategies and what I’ve found to work the best is a fundamental shift in my mindset. Instead of stressing over external factors, I try to control the one thing that I can control. Allow me to explain.
We cannot control the competition. We cannot control the weather. We cannot control the struggles that will undoubtedly arise during the run. All we can control is ourselves. Standing at the starting line, I make the simple commitment to myself that today I will try my hardest. No matter what happens during the race, I will give it everything I’ve got and won’t give up without my strongest fight.
Shifting my paradigm inward has allowed me to feel more grounded and centered on running my own race. The mental demons are quieted and the focus is entirely on being the best “Dean” that “Dean” can be and not worrying about elements outside of my scope of power.
If you suffer from pre-race jitters, try this technique to ace your next race!
Best wishes,
Dean
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Dean Karnazes is a renowned ultramarathoner and the author of several books chronicling his long-distance, international running exploits. His latest book is Oct 7, 2014.
