Focus on the Positives!

By Athlete Spotlight, Training Tip, , ,

You’ve just finished a race & everyone wants to know how you did.  How do you answer the question, “How’d your race go?”  Focus on the positives!

In the world of sports, “putting it all together” for a Personal Record (PR) on race day is a BIG ask.  I mean…just consider ALL the variables:

  • Training has to be perfectly balanced between intensity & volume
  • Tapering has to be spot on
  • Daily nutrition/hydration must be dialed in
  • Daily stress levels have to be managed & ideally, low
  • The body needs to be optimally strong
  • No injuries or excessive fatigue
And that’s all BEFORE you even get to the race!  On race day…
  • Perfect weather conditions – neither too hot nor too cold nor too windy
  • Race day nutrition/hydration is executed according to plan
  • Race day clothing & equipment works w/ no blisters, irritations or failures
  • Stress & anxiety managed so it’s neither too much nor too little
  • Solid back-up plans ready to implement in worst-case scenarios
With all those variables, it’s so important to focus on the things we did well rather than the things we struggled with.  But it’s hard…oh so very hard.  This is why I’m so proud of Stephanie Campbell.  She admitted to being disappointed that she didn’t get a PR…but then she immediately refocused on the fact that she finished on a gorgeous day.  Way to go, Steph!

In Stephanie’s own words:

“I have done Weiser River 50k for quite a few years.  The last 4 races held real meaning for me because I dedicated them to Steve Petrie & the beautiful Mrs. Shirley Atteberry, both of whom lost their battles with cancer.  (If not for Shirley I would not be running trails & the last time I saw Steve was at the Weiser 50k Goodrich Aid Station.)

This year I had high hopes, new training techniques and, for once, some pretty fresh legs!  But, as we all know, race day doesn’t always go as planned.  I did not set my watch for my run/walk intervals (I honestly didn’t think I would need them), but I really missed the piece-of-mind that they help with.  I also struggled with nausea, so I didn’t want to eat.

After Mile 19. things did get better!  At the last aid station, I had a shot of Fireball…and life was good to the end of the race!  Although I am disappointed that I did not PR, I am very happy to have finished on a beautiful day with perfect weather & trail conditions. And…oh yea…the finisher burritos were amazing…though I ate mine the next day!”

If you’re interested in training with a positive mindset, click here for more info.

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