Many of you now find yourselves nearing the end of your season. These last few races can make or break your season or career. Now that can seem like a scary thing, but I'm here to remind you that it is not scary, in fact it's beautiful! This is the time of year you should strive for. All the hard work and races have come down to these few meets left. For some of you these may be the last few competitive steps you ever take, for others they are just another part of your journey. Either way relish in these moments because they will soon be gone.
Each race right now is about surviving and advancing. Finish in the top 4 and move on, don't and your season is over. This is where your true performers step up and execute. Those that aren't prepared mentally and physically will find themselves on vacation. The pressure of this situation creates stress, anxiety, and nerves. I have seen and experienced it all before big races. Everything from throw up to uncontrollable bowels. Athletes at all levels still experience these symptoms. They are a sign of investment and are all normal human responses to a big stressor that our mind has deemed important. How you cope with these emotions before these last events will have a lot to do with how you perform. So I have put together a few tips to help you conquer these feelings and perform at your optimal level.
1. Breathe - if you find your heart or mind racing before the big event, find a quite place and relax. Focus on your breathing and take some deep breathes in and out. Let your mind calm. If you have prepared properly then there is nothing to worry about. Let your mind rest and feel the strength in your body. Focus on breathing out the tension and relax.
2. Stick to your routine - whatever your pre race routine has been all year, don't change it now. Comfort comes in familiar routines. Warm up the same way, do your drills the same way, listen to the same music, etc... Now isn't the time to try new things out. Control what you can control.
3. Talk yourself up - be your own cheerleader. You know the work and effort you have put in to succeed. Find a phrase or a word that is strong and recite it until you believe it. Even during the race when things may seem uncertain. Remind yourself that you are tough and strong.
Channel these tips and you will find yourself ready to perform when it's time to reach your goals.
Till next time,
BHudg
