So, here I am on the eve of another race weekend. This Sunday is my first sprint triathlon of the season (yikes!). I admit, I get a little nervous before races that involve three sports and lots of moving parts. I often find myself giving race day pep talks to my friends so, today I am taking a little bit of my own advice and giving a race day pep talk to myself.
Race Day Pep Talk To Myself
Believe in your training
This is your warm up race. It’s your way to practice swimming, biking and running all together again. You do way more than these distances every week. Should be a piece of cake for you.
Remember this is supposed to be fun
Don’t sweat it too much! This is supposed to be a fun day with your friends for you all to enjoy what you love doing together.
Some things you can’t control
You can’t do anything about the weather for you race. Either it’s hot or cold. Either it’s rainy or it’s not. No sense wasting energy on worrying about what you cannot control. You are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Run your own race
Follow your race day plan the way you have written it out. Don’t second guess what works for you.
Take your own advice
You always tell your friends that the the real accomplishments are the training and commitment that go into racing and not the race itself. You are right! Remember that.
Do you give yourself Race Day Pep Talks? What do you tell yourself?
Linking up with the Friday Five
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
This is great advice! It always helps me to remember that certain things are out of my control. I hope you have a great race this weekend!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! Yes some things are out of our control namely the weather
Wendy says
Run your own race. That is my forever advice to myself. Don’t get sucked into the crowd. Stick to the plan. Listen to your body. You got this. Don’t give up.
Good luck tomorrow!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s on Sunday and yes I am really excited and currently ignoring the rain forecast
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
Race day pep talks are a must for me! I typically tell myself that I can do hard things and I’ve done a longer run so running X miles has happened before.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly! Now just to take my own advice
Kim G says
“Remember this is supposed to be fun” –> That is SO important! I forget this for a while last year and it made for some crappy runs and races!
Deborah Brooks says
Yep I do tend to forget that sometimes too!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
Good luck this weekend!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much!
Coco says
This is excellent advice! Have fun and run your own race are my favorites. I hope you have a good race on Sunday!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! Currently trying to ignore the rain forecast
Natalie says
Oh I would be nervous too but this pep talks would help. For sure 🙂 I wish you good luck friend and have fun! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much! Have a great weekend
Debbie says
I love “take your own advice!” We are so hard on ourselves!
I’ve only done two triathlons, but I found them almost overwhelming because of the three sports and everything that you need for each one. Probably why I stick with running!
Deborah Brooks says
I get nervous about big running races as well!
Erinn says
I give myself pep talks all the time, not just on race day!! It’s great to remind yourself that this is for you, not anyone else, and to run your race!!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes always a great idea!
Marcia says
You make great points. We do this because we love it or are challenging ourselves. Have fun with it. Cannot believe your first tri of the season snuck up so fast. Just making the decision to tri is a massive victory in my book. You’ll be great!
Deborah Brooks says
It did really sneak up on me!!
Amy Gorin says
What great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks for checking them out
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I seriously can’t even imagine doing 3 sports in one day! It feels like just running a race can take up all my time.
In general I don’t get terribly nervous about races, though. Because I do trust my training.
Deborah Brooks says
I need to adopt that a little more!
AmyC says
It’s supposed to be fun!! Oh my, so many times I let my emotions get in the way of remembering that advice.
Have a great race!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s easy to do isn’t it! Thanks
[email protected] says
I do the same thing before every golf match! It really helps.
Deborah Brooks says
That’s great to hear! Have a fantastic weekend
HoHo Runs says
All very good points! I always remind myself that if I can’t have fun, then I shouldn’t be doing it (aka:) don’t take myself too seriously. Good luck. Most importantly, have fun!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes indeed cannot take it too seriously!
Chaitali says
Great points! I really like the one about how this is supposed to be fun. I always try to remind myself that I chose to be there for the race, that it’s a choice and I should fully enjoy it and be thankful that it’s something I can still do 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Yes indeed! It’s easy to get caught up in the moment though
Abbey Sharp says
Awesome encouraging words! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks have a great weekend!
Kimberly Hatting says
This is such a great and empowering post! I’m excited to hear how your tri goes!! Swim fast, bike strong, and run with determination 😉
Deborah Brooks says
That’s the plan thanks friend!
Akaleistar says
Excellent pep talk! I hope you have a great triathlon 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much have a fantastic weekend
Lesley says
Yes! Believe in your training. You’ve put in the hard work, and it’s time to have some fun. I need to remember that now, in my taper madness.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes it’s easy to get caught up and forget
Jenny Albertson says
I needed this pep talk myself today. Thanks!
Deborah Brooks says
You got it hope it helped!
Kelly says
Such great reminders. Especially important to remember that it’s supposed to be fun!
Deborah Brooks says
yes indeed!
Rachel says
These are great pieces of advice! You’re going to have a great time. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks girl friend!
Farrah says
I definitely did a number of these when I was running the race I signed up for but didn’t train for a couple weeks back! 😛 Great tips!
Deborah Brooks says
Much easier to do when you are young!
Jessica Levinson says
Great pep talk for your race day! Good luck to you!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much!
Esther says
I always tell myself that I’ve put in the work and I’m ready! Always have to encourage myself!! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Definitely helps a lot!
Fairytalesandfitness says
Good luck on Sunday! You know, I know it’s such a simple saying but I always remember your comment to me ” run your own race” and I always think of that when I am struggling to keep up”. Thank you. -M
Deborah Brooks says
aww thank you! It’s hard to remember that sometimes isn’t it?!
Rach says
I love the pep talk – I have to do that to myself too. I can’t wait to hear all the deets!!
Deborah Brooks says
Pep talks are really good for me! I can really get in my own head