Calm the nerves before a race

DisneyAddictRW

I normally don't get nervous before a race. This will be my 3rd Goofy Challenge 39.3 miles (Half - Sat and Full - Sun) this coming weekend. I'm freaking out! I've trained and my body is ready. However I'm a nervous wreak! We leave for Orlando in less than 48hrs. Does anyone else get nervous before a race? How do you calm your nerves?

disneygallagirl

It's been awhile since I'e done a race, pre-kiddies, I did the Toronto Half marathon. But, the goofy?! You rock. So you've done it before.....maybe it is just excitement? U have obviously trained for it and know what to expect. Maybe just check your gear, remind yourself of your training and enjoy it all!!! You are an inspiration.

rides4sanity

I alwasy get nervous, but have a pre-race "ritual" I do night & morning before race. The familiarity seems to settle me a little.

ninerbuff

I normally don't get nervous before a race. This will be my 3rd Goofy Challenge 39.3 miles (Half - Sat and Full - Sun) this coming weekend. I'm freaking out! I've trained and my body is ready. However I'm a nervous wreak! We leave for Orlando in less than 48hrs. Does anyone else get nervous before a race? How do you calm your nerves?

Good sex.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

schicksa

To help calm my anxiety, I typically just stick to routine and prep as much as possible the few days leading up to it. Then come race day, I'm ready to go no matter what happens! Also making sure to go to bed early and eating well always help me feel more focused and prepared. :-)

ModoVincere

make a checklist of things you need to take with you, and check them off as you pack them.
Prepare your mind by imagining yourself crossing the finish line strong.....maybe even winning.
get a good nights rest, knowing you have everything already packed.
eat well, but not too heavy.
have fun.

sjohnny

I get nervous before every race (I haven't done that many - 9 total). Not bad nervous just excited and a little bit anxious. As far as how I calm my nerves; I don't. Once I start running I focus on running and the nerves go away but I'm jittery and nervous right up until I cross the starting line - and a little bit after. Before my first half-marathon I was really bad nervous because I had just recovered from an injury and hadn't been able to train like I wanted. For that one, the night before I was kind of a little b!tch and that morning I paced around and strectched and just repeated that everything was going to be fine. I was still a wreck for the first couple of miles and then was fine.

I asked a friend of mine if he still gets nervous before races. He's run several marathons and usually does them in around 3:20. He says he still gets nervous before every race.

Good Luck!

DiannaMoorer

I get absolutely everything ready and laid out the night before. I eat my dinner early and set my alarm. and TRY to settle down with a movie or a book and a little wine to relax. I tend to have trouble sleeping before a big race. My mind wont shut off. I have no trouble before a 5k but before a half,going to sleep is tough for me. Good luck on yours!!!!:drinker:

reggie2run

That is inspriing. I too am a nervous wreck before a race. I try to relax with a nice walk with the dog or watch my favorite tv shows.

Good Luck!!