Does anyone else have a problem with the word "race"? Every week I go out with the running club and run ever increasing distances feeling very relaxed. As soon as I enter a race, however, on the morning the nerves start, the endless trips to the loo so that it is a wonder I get to the start line at all. Did a 10 mile race on Sunday and was really prepared but the same thing happened. Is it just me???
Comments
I certainly do the loo thing myself - but I think we all do!
Nope, happens to me everytime too , thats why there are always moohasive queues at the toilets!
They're "events" not "races".
Racing is just so vulgar, dahling. I prefer to bimble.
Sorry darling, but I must prefer "races" not "events"
To me, every race is what it is, a race. I just turn up, hang about, start it, run it, finish it, home. Sometimes I might get nerves before the start like making sure every last drop of urine is
deposed from my waste disposal region, but thankfully its a rare occurance.
Compared to how I used to feel as a whippersnapper at a judo competition, running races are a breeze!
I suppose I can get a teensy bit nervous when I'm racing for my club, cos other people are depending on you. Especially my debut steeplechase, cos I was drafted in at short notice and had never even seen a water jump up close! Bl00dy sh*t meself that day! (Got over it OK though.)
Runnerman I understand your thougts too
I've found I used to have a bit of a fret as I am doing a fair few half marathons but to be honest that is/was more about if I'd done enough training!
To be honest the "turn up hang araound run go home" is a good way of looking at itregarding the loos I always wait untill the absolute death when the queues have gone but sometimes the timings ave been a bit tight
I like to think of them as 'runs' not 'races' - takes the competative bit out of the equation.
As for the loo thing..... yup, me too. I think it is subconcious programming . Either that or all the water I drink in the two days before - because 1. the books say you should and 2. to keep me on the straight and narrow by keeping my wine glass hand occupied.
Any way, whatever, I'm grateful for it, I'd rather deposit it than carry it round for 10k or 13 miles!!!!
Although funnily enough, I always run faster in races than I do in tempo runs. I actually find that the more relaxed and uncaring about my time I am, the better I run. I mean, my pb's are all from several years ago and I'm not going to see them again.
Must be all those laydeez in lycra to chase
I hate races. Every time I race I think "Never again". I try to tell myself to slow down and just enjoy the run. Seems to work when I can remember that tactic.
As for the loo, just tell yourself that your bladder is your water bottle, then you wont need to carry one around with you or stop mid point to grab a flimsy cup half filled with tepid wet stuff and dead flies.
I enjoy the build up, the thoughts of how to run it, timings etc......
BUT as for the word RACE, the only person i'm racing against is myself, for a PB or decent time as i'm never gonna be anywhere near the front so dont get nervous as such, just cant wait to get going!!
I like the LARGE training run comparison!! LOL
I get next to no nerves at running races, I'm competing against myself so why should I be nervous?
When I was younger I used to row, which is a different kettle of fish as we were lining up at the start of each race to beat everyone else, not just go quicker than our own last time. Lining up at the start of the national champs, Henley or some regatta in Europe sees you nearly taking a bite out of your seat.
The saving grace is that once you start, nerves disappear and before you know it you've finished.
I got nervous before the Great South Run last year and ran the whole thing with a nearly full bladder as I didn't get to the loo before the start but now I just want to enjoy the race and try to beat the time from before.
I have had nerves in football, there is only a certain amount of calm you can exude with being the 1st penalty taker in a cup semi final shootout
Personally I think if you know you are fit enough to run the time you want then thats when the nerves should relent a litte. First race I did was a 10k, I hadnt ran quite that far before and with it being my first experience of a race I was quite nervous. 2nd race was a 10 mile race which I actually didnt suffer many nerves for, possibly because I knew it wasnt my goal race. 3rd race was my goal race (half mara), I had trained 4 months for that so I was quite nervous and was desperate for a pee just before the off. Should I go, Should I leave it. Decided to go!! Did a good race. 4th race (half mara), felt more relaxed. 5th race (10k), didnt feel nervous at all, I knew I was going to run well, I was on my own (previous 4 were with partner), I just had myself and the course to think about. Ran a blinder.
So in summary, the more you do the easier it gets!
Good point well made Mr Murphy! I still get a bit nervous before a race and even on club night when some of the fast lads and lasses are out.My tip is to RELAX, drop your shoulders and enjoy it. It has been proven that adrenaline uses up a lot of energy.
Get the training in and good preparation and your legs will do the talking.