As we enter November there are dozens of marathons across the country. The most notable of course is the New York City Marathon on November 2. By this point, participants are probably gearing up for their final training runs and in top running shape. Despite that, anxiety levels can run high and they often feel deflated due to the grueling months they've spent training for the race. Many of my clients see me specifically to improve their game. They recognize that such a big part of doing well in an endurance sport such as a marathon lies in the mental tricks they can apply to the sport. My athlete clients gain the edge they need by tweaking their approach.
Here's how to work your mind game and have an edge come race day:
- Accept the notion that anxiety is normal. Understand what's happening to your body: the nervous system gets revved up, heart rate increases, breathing intensifies, and you're ready to fight or flee. Mentally you feel uncertainty as questions abound: "How will I feel?" "Will my knees give out?" "Will I complete the race?" These are all questions that spike your anxiety. Turn this around by getting excited about the race and know that anxiety and excitement, on a physiological level, are quite similar. In both cases the body gets pumped up to prepare to take action. The difference lies in your head and how you think about things.
Finally, have fun and good luck!
For more tips on living fearlessly check out my book BE FEARLESS: Change Your Life in 28 Days.