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Debbie G.
Debbie G. Sendmail

Race nerves

posted 10 months ago | Report

Any tips for controlling race nerves? I'm a new runner, really just trying to build up my base (started in February with a couch to 5K plan..progressed to be able to run 3 5k's this year)I am scheduled for another 5k in August and a 10K end of September....I know I'm not competing to win...obviously...but I really get nervous before a race:(

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  • Kate K.
    Kate K. Sendmail

    They get easier as you go. I did my first race over Thanksgiving (just a 2miler) and then did a a lot of 5k's and eventually a 10k in June. I still get nervous but it def. gets easier as you go! I promise... i was the same way!

    posted 10 months ago

  • Nathan D.
    Nathan D. Sendmail

    1. Completely normal.
    2. This may dissipate after a few races.*For me it never has. I still get nervous.
    3. Remember that you will finish the race. If you've trained slowly and smartly you will do great.

    Good luck out there. I bet you are kicking butts and taking names out there!

    posted 10 months ago

  • Debbie G.
    Debbie G. Sendmail
    in reply to what Nathan D. said:1. Completely normal. 2. This may dissipate after a few races.*For me it never has. I still get nervous. 3. Remember that you will finish the race. If you've trained slowly and smartly you will do great. Good luck out there. I bet you are ... read more

    Thanks Nathan.....your comments have really helped

    posted 10 months ago

  • Debbie G.
    Debbie G. Sendmail
    in reply to what Kate K. said:They get easier as you go. I did my first race over Thanksgiving (just a 2miler) and then did a a lot of 5k's and eventually a 10k in June. I still get nervous but it def. gets easier as you go! I promise... i was the same way!

    Awesome....thank you so much Kate....looking forward to the 10K..I just registered last night:)

    posted 10 months ago

  • Claire D.
    Claire D. Sendmail

    I'm still a relatively 'new' runner, too - I have run three 10k's and four half marathons since I started running last February - and my race day nerves have not subsided yet. I've been trying really hard to channel the nervous energy into extra 'gusto' for the race and so far, it seems to be working - I have improved my time in every race I have done.

    Just remember that you CAN and WILL do the distance and that you have a lot of support out on the route. You're never once 'alone' when racing and that you are more than capable of running the distance. And if all else fails, turn on your favorite 'pump up' song on your iPod and sing along in your head and push those nervous thoughts away! Best of luck! :)

    posted 10 months ago

  • Dan M.
    Dan M. Sendmail

    Pre race nerves are half the fun of racing. I may stop racing if the butterflies and jitters stop showing up before a race.

    That doesn't answer your question, but maybe gives a new perspective.

    posted 10 months ago

  • Debbie G.
    Debbie G. Sendmail

    It does...thanks Dan. I really never thought about it that way...agree part of the fun is the anticipation.....

    posted 10 months ago

  • Nathan D.
    Nathan D. Sendmail
    in reply to what Dan M. said:Pre race nerves are half the fun of racing. I may stop racing if the butterflies and jitters stop showing up before a race. That doesn't answer your question, but maybe gives a new perspective.

    ^Some truth right there!

    posted 10 months ago

  • Adam O.
    Adam O. Sendmail

    Dan M has a good point.

    I think there should be nerves as you always set a goal that is at the edge of your ability, and want to achieve it.

    Initially these goals are just to finish, but then this progresses to finishing under a certain time, etc.

    I always get nervous wondering if I have slept enough, eaten enough, drank enough, warmed up correctly. We all just want to do our best!

    posted 10 months ago

  • Reverend Run V.
    Reverend Run V. Sendmail

    I have been running for nearly thirty years and I still get nervous before races. Even when it's a "fun run" with no prizes and no official timing. What do I do about it?

    1. Make sure that I'm well-trained for the race, what ever distance it it.
    2. Go through a pre-race ritual (including laying out my gear the night before).
    3. Run a good warm-up.
    4. Get to the starting line early.
    5. Chat up the other runners around me or talk with a friend. - it's amazing how friendly the running community is, and before long, it's race time and I've forgotten to be nervous (*I'm an extrovert, so chatting with perfect strangers is normal for me - if you're an introvert, this might not help!!!)

    posted 10 months ago

  • Debbie G.
    Debbie G. Sendmail

    Love it..all good stuff..Thank you so much. Actually, this has been kind of a turning point for me with running...I have never been comfy doing things on my own or talking with people I don't know..but I've been kind of expanding my comfort zone and have been having so much fun at the race events...which keeps me going back. Met lots of nice people...and DM friends are nice too. I've done all of the above...just have trouble sleeping the nite before....so will have to be more aware of that and try to sleep well the nites leading up to the event

    posted 10 months ago

  • Debbie G.
    Debbie G. Sendmail

    Yep..agree with all the above:) ThanksAll

    posted 10 months ago

  • Sharon M.
    Sharon M. Sendmail

    I really enjoy racing and always get super nervous in the weeks leading up and then the morning of I'm fine. It took me a while though before I would do a race by myself. The husband couldn't always go with me b/c of his work schedule and the thought of going by myself had my stomach in knots! Silly, I know. I think it'll ease up the more races you do. Sending you a friend request. Hope you'll accept!

    posted 10 months ago

  • Debbie G.
    Debbie G. Sendmail
    in reply to what Sharon M. said:I really enjoy racing and always get super nervous in the weeks leading up and then the morning of I'm fine. It took me a while though before I would do a race by myself. The husband couldn't always go with me b/c of his work schedule an... read more

    Thank you so much Sharon...yep I'm in the same boat.Was hard for me to go to races by myself...but has been really fun. People are really nice and once I'm there, I'm fine. I'm like you...it's the couple days leading up and I start 2nd guessing myself...like I'm not ready or I can't do it by myself....which is CRAZY....my next 5k is August 25th and then the 10K is 9/30....so looking forward to it:)

    posted 10 months ago

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