GETTING PSYCHED UP FOR A RACE

I have long been intrigued with some of the old films showing the bullfighter preparing to face his greatest challenge. He is usually isolated and alone. He dresses slowly in layers of clothing especially crafted for his survival. He remains totally focused on what lies ahead. There is even the private chapel where he prays. Even though he may not be a deeply religious man, this is one of the means of obtaining peace and calmness. Then he marches slowly into the arena. When he and the savage bull first make eye contact across the distance space, it is called "The Moment of Truth"; because very quickly he will learn if all his preparation has been enough.

I see similarities between that matador and those of us who run. What we do may not be death defying at all; but there is still a great need for mental preparation. The outcome of our race often depends on it. We also face our "Moment of Truth". Maybe not at the start line; but more often the middle or near the end. Somewhere in almost every race we have to face our demons; and determine if our preparation has been enough. This is why getting psyched up in advance is so important. Here are a few of the simple things that can get you ready.

1.  SEPARATE YOUR RACING SHOES. Ideally they should be a few ounces lighter than the shoes you normally use. NEVER use them for training. Then from the time you put them on you already have the message: This is race day. It is time to give it the best.

2.  SELECT YOUR RACE CLOTHES THE NIGHT BEFORE. This will not only avoid some frustration and anxiety; but will make you more comfortable with your choices.

3.  RUN LONGER THAN YOUR RACE DISTANCE IN TRAINING. This works well up to the half marathon. Not only will the extra distance develop more strength and endurance; but it will also make your race distance seem shorter.  My suggestion would be 5-6 miles in preparing for a 5K and 7-8 miles for a 10K. These will strengthen you mentally.

4.  DO SOME RUNNING NEAR OR ABOVE YOUR RACE SPEED. Long slow runs certainly have their place; but the cannot fully prepare you for the stress and pain of an all out effort.  You learn that you can survive these pressures only by duplicating them in training.

5.  ELIMINATE UNDUE STRESS AND TENSION BOTH BEFORE AND DURING THE RACE. Remember that some is both natural and necessary; but you need to make it your friend and not your enemy. This may involve getting up earlier. It may include arriving at the race site sooner, as well as allowing time for the unexpected; but get rid of all the undue tension you can. You will run your best races when you are as relaxed as possible.

6.  DO SOME TRAINING ON BAD, UNFAVORABLE DAYS. It will give you a lift during a race if you can tell yourself: "I've trained on worse hills than these". Also remind yourself that every runner has to face the same bad circumstances. If they hurt your time, they will likely hurt theirs as well.

7.  STAY FOCUSED ON THE CHALLENGE BEFORE YOU. Save the major part of your socializing until after the race. This is not to suggest that you don't speak and be friendly. Just don't lose your focus. There will be time for other things when the race is done.

8.  BE REALISTIC IN YOUR EXPECTATIONS. Don't set impossible goals for yourself. Allow for circumstances which are not the best. Be kind to yourself even after the race is over. We all can run better some days than we can others. Every race is not the same. Some will be more important to you than others. Just realize that we more often miss our goals because we were mentally rather than physically unprepared. So the next time a race is really important to you:  GET PSYCHED UP AND HAVE A GREAT RACE.