Recently, I was able to spend quality time with some of my teammates discussing the importance of mindset. Since there are so many different facets to mindset, especially in sport, it would be a novel to cover them all, however, I think it would be helpful to pull together some easily applicable techniques for race day based on our team conversation.
From prerace jitters to crossing the finish line; let’s get your mindset ready to go!
1) Journal- Writing out your anxious thoughts the night before and closing the book on them. Putting pen to paper is one of the most overlooked coping skills. If you are worried about a specific aspect of the race, write it down and develop a list of the evidence for and against that fear.
2) Cry-Leading up to the race, if you feel like crying, let it flow. It is a stress response from your body letting you know that it needs a release. Lean into the physical effects of crying, think about the sensation of the crying. Focus on the tears, where you are holding the stress, how does the snot running down your face feel etc. Let go of the emotions associated with the crying (remember you wrote them down) and focus on the physical act of crying. Don’t continue to feed the thoughts associated with what is causing you stress and the crying cycle will end on its own, allowing you to feel better.
3) Visualization- Imagine all the variables and elements within the race THAT ARE IN YOUR CONTROL. Review a play by play of your race, imagine how you want to feel, take a deep breath and let it go. Using visualization will allow you to feel more at peace with racing and relieve excess stress. It helps lower your cortisol levels which will allow you to get more excited about racing!
4) Breathing- At the starting line, take a deep breathe from your diaphragm. We underestimate the power of breathing. Breathing is an evidence based skill that we can use to down regulate our nervous system. Close your eyes, put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest, right above the breast area. Take a deep breathe in, making sure your stomach sinks in, not your chest. Hold that breath for 4 seconds then engage in a long exhale. Diaphragm breathing helps to down regulate your nervous system and signal safety to your body.
5) Connection-As humans, we are made to connect. Depending on the situation, when we connect with others, we signal to our bodies that we are safe and start to co-regulate. At the start line, smile at someone, crack a joke, express your nerves, or just check in with them. Throughout the race, thank the volunteers, say hi to the person next to you and high five as many spectators as you can. Getting out of your own head a little helps us regulate our bodies to a calmer state and allows us to enjoy the process a little more.
6) Smile/laugh-Research shows that if you stick a pencil across your mouth and force a smile, you will increase your mood. If you are like me and prefer not to put a pencil in your mouth, close your eyes, think of a time where you experienced true happiness and joy and bask in that moment for as long as your brain will let you.
7) Be flexible and creative- Don’t get fixated on numbers for race day. You cannot control for everything. In your training, you focused on the process and followed the plan, all that is expected on race day is to execute!
8) Have fun and frolic-Remember the training is done and you are ready to race!