I do find it especially challenging to get into the proper mindset for an afternoon / evening race. For my last one I actually had a glass of wine a couple hours out from the race. I'm not sure it helped my race but I think it might have improved my mindset.

For morning races I've never really had trouble focusing in on the race. Mainly I focus on my race plan (you do have a race plan, right?) and just go through what I need to do at each stage of the race to reach my goal.

Battle between you and your mind. Negative thoughts can be very powerful, but you can also chose to ignore them. I constantly practice saying F you to that part of my brain. It's more important than physical training

I have run so many marathons that I have tried just about everything. My last one (#31) I, for the first time, wore yurbuds the entire time and listened to my favorite music. I loved it. We typically either associate or disassociate with our circumstances. If I do not remain mindful, I can lose focus and slow down. Thoughts of work, problems, relationship or whatever can be very distracting. For fast racing I stay right on top of the moment. No anger just determination. I pick the pace I can hold and then push forward as much as I am able. If it doesn't go well then I begin to manage my expectations. I think of the next reachable goal if the first one slips away. "Just finish" is the second to last resort. "Don't die" is the last resort.

I also focus on my running gait and cadence more than I do my breathing. It seems that awareness of my breathing slows me down but a focus on my turnover helps me speed up. Shorter faster strides increase speed and don't hurt as much.

For my next BQ attempt this fall I will not wear headphones. I will try to minimize everything that I have to do or have to carry. I will try to simplify the experience as much as possible. I have tried carrying my splits and I might again except when I fall behind as some low point, I start to panic a bit. Each race is a negotiations with what you can convince your body to do. If I am noticing all of the fit ladies around me then I am probably not focussing enough on my task.

Also, during a marathon is a great time to appreciate and celebrate being alive. Humility and gratitude is a powerful mindset to dig deep and give your very best. I use all types of mantras if they help in the moment. Our previous months of training are what mostly determines what is possible on that day. We either do it or we don't so I tend to relax and "run the race" the best I can that day.

When I get tired or grumpy I count steps to measure my cadence. It's boring but it keeps my mind preoccupied and helps my form/posture from falling apart!