If you’re like me, pre-race nerves start to make their presence felt about two weeks prior to any fitness competition.

(This past Saturday marked two weeks from the Sun Multisport Cranberry Trifest in Lakeville, Mass.  If you're just hearing about the event, it’s not too late to sign up –register here). 

THIS IS COMMON – our minds are built to help us survive and an athletic competition surfaces our deepest primal feelings and emotions.  But I subscribe to the concept that preparation is the best remedy for nerves. If you’re wondering how to calm those nerves and stay confident in yourself, reflect on the two aspects of your life you’ve no doubt made sacrifices around during your training:

Diet

Part of your training is committing to your eating plan. Think about each time you prepared that skinless chicken and broccoli; when you denied yourself the McD’s drive through and opted for a healthful snack at home.  Food cravings are a daily challenge for all of us, but when you see that event on the calendar it feels damn good knowing you stayed committed to your plan.

Training Sessions

If someone tells you he’s excited for every workout, he’s lying. We all lose motivation at times, and it takes will power to push yourself to hit the pavement for a run, or onto that bike, or into the pool.  No doubt you’ve been doing that in the weeks leading up to 8/23 – don’t forget it.  Don’t let your mind trick you into thinking you aren’t ready.  You followed your exercise calendar, pushed yourself through each workout, and conditioned yourself for competition.

The combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise is an accomplishment by itself. Turning it up a notch for event training is that much harder, but it will make crossing the finish line that much better.  If you’re competing on 8/23 send me an email so we can meet up and celebrate our success - and don't forget to reflect on your training!