Heading Down The Stretch

The last two weeks leading up to a big race can be long and nerve wracking. Often our minds can drift into the questions of "What if I cramp?", " What if I don't do as well as I wanted?", "Did I train enough or did I train right?". All runners at one point or another has had these and other issues creep through their minds. How we handle these thoughts is what can make the last weeks and days leading up to our event either pleasant, or not so pleasant.

The mind is a funny thing. It can be your biggest supporter or your greatest obstacle. As runners we train our bodies to  handle the elements and conditions of being in a race. When we are in a race we have already "been there and done that" and our body is prepared. Your mind should be no different. Take control of your mind like you have taken control of body. Run the race route in your mind and envision yourself running strong. If you can see yourself running strong then it is more likely to happen come race day.

You deserve this moment! The last couple of weeks before a race enjoy the tapered runs. You can look back and see your improvement and how hard you have trained. Enjoy these moments. You have earned them. There is nothing you can do training wise that will make a big difference come race day at this point. While you are resting your body also rest in the thoughts that you are going to do fantastic. If you are running a half or full marathon know that you are accomplishing something less than 1% of Americans will ever do. You are a unique person being able to accomplish this extraordinary event. Regardless of how you finish, the fact you are starting and willing to do this is an accomplishment to be proud of.

So.....kick back and prop your feet up. Enjoy the weeks leading up to your race, enjoy the tapered runs, and enjoy the freedom of eating amounts of food you have not dared do since you were a teenager. Most of all, soak it all in. Once you cross the start line the race is already won.