Practice: The Pre-Race Emotional Shift
Part 1: Naming & Reframing
Take a moment before a hard workout this week and write down what emotions you feel leading into it. Are you nervous? Excited? Doubtful?
- Next, reframe each emotion into a positive:
- Nervous → Excited
- Doubtful → Curious
- Anxious → Prepared
- Tense → Focused
Part 2: The “I’m Ready” Affirmation
Before starting the workout, say out loud:
💬 “I’m ready. My body knows what to do. I trust myself.”
Repeat this affirmation at least three times before and during the session.
Part 3: Post-Workout Reflection
After the session, journal for five minutes on these prompts:
- How did shifting my perspective affect my performance?
- Did my nerves lessen as I got into the workout?
- What phrase or feeling helped me most?
This simple shift in perspective will help you develop a healthier relationship with race-day emotions. You’ll learn that nerves aren’t your enemy—they’re just energy waiting to be directed toward your best performance.
