Mastering Race Day Anxiety

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Sports psychologist Michael Huber returns for part two of our conversation, diving into practical strategies to calm race day nerves and enhance performance through mental training. We explore how proper preparation creates confidence and discuss techniques to transform pre-race anxiety into positive excitement.

• Understanding why you're running helps reframe nervousness as excitement
• Training your mind alongside your body creates exponential performance benefits
• Preparation includes having mental responses ready for when discomfort intensifies
• Deep breathing techniques can physiologically reduce anxiety during races
• Giving yourself permission to adapt your race strategy reduces pressure
• Social media comparisons can be reframed as sources of confidence rather than inadequacy
• The way we think affects how we feel, which directly impacts performance
• Runners often overthink comparisons with others rather than focusing on their own race
• Mindfulness practices like yoga can help develop mental clarity and breathing control
• Creating positive mental associations can counteract mid-race anxiety

For more mental training resources, Michael recommends "The Brave Athlete" by Dr. Simon Marshall and Lesley Paterson, which offers practical exercises specifically designed for endurance athletes. Find Michael at MichaelVHuber.com for more resources, blogs, and podcasts.

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