Running with Jack

I’ve been reading a few blogs lately expressing thoughts about pre-race jitters. I think this is a normal reaction, for some a healthy way to cross-check systems control, for others an extremely emotional (and even physical) experience resulting in complete physiological meltdown.

With my marathon coming up in a few weeks this is becoming a burning issue for me, so I thought I would start giving myself a pep talk. You’re welcome to join in.

The absolute best advice that I have heard so far on this subject was from Chris Brogan who said:

"Try not to fart loudly during the race. Focus on that one thing above all else. Running will figure itself out."

If you think about it these truly are words of wisdom! I mean, we run, we lift, we push, we pull, we train, we cross-train, blah-blah, only to become a bundle of nerves the day before the big race? What’s up with that? Have we no trust in ourselves? Our training? Our newly hardened bodies of steel?

Now I’m talking to myself here too, as my first marathon comes into view I am daily battling with these thoughts. Did I train enough? What if I go out too fast? What if I don't eat right? Can’t sleep? Forget my chip, my number, my pants, my head?

Before we know it our hardened bodies of steel are being led by bundle of jello nerves, wiggling from one extreme to another in the course of about a hundred milli-seconds. I’ve probably experienced just about every color of the sprectrum on this one before one race or another, but slowly I’m learning to deal with it. I’ve come up with a few thoughts that seem to help me:

• Do the training. Don’t make excuses, just do the training.


• Trust your training. If you have put some thought into your training, cross-checked with others or experts etc., then it is probably adequate.


• Don’t get too distracted with a bunch of new projects the day/week before a race. Rather, spend the time relaxing. If you have to work the day before a race, try to plan a light day with minimum stress.


• Don’t try new training, stretching, activities, clothing, shoes, food, water, air, anything the week before a race.


• Don’t analyze your training plan the month before a long race, e.g. marathon – it will follow with waves of self-doubt, high-blood pressure, and jello nerves (yeah, I’m guilty).


• Spend some time on the logistics. Scope out the race site, particularly if it is in a far away city. Don’t wait until race day to try to find everything. And go early!


• Need to bring something? Make a list, check it twice, have someone else check it. Check it again. Pack what you need to bring the night before. Bring spares. Murphy’s Law will rule! Face it – you will forget something!


• Get a good night’s sleep before the “night before” the race.


• Spend time getting dressed, make sure everything fits, chaffing cream, sunscreen etc. Bring a variety of clothes in case the weather changes (see point 7).


• Remember that this is your hobby, that you are doing this for “fun” and fitness.

Can anybody add to this? Amen!