Running is fun. Racing is stressful.
Or it’s thrilling, if you’re prepared.
We’ve all been there, facing the jitters of a timed race after weeks or even months of training. It’s the difference between sending out resumes and sitting in for a job interview, or socializing at a bar and going out on a first date. Now there are expectations, measurements, and the chance at falling flat.
But a little mental prep goes a long way to making that first race enjoyable. Whether you’re running an Anywhere5K on your own or a traditional 5K with thousands of other participants, here are some tips to remove the nerves.
Sometimes running is just hard. And that is OK. Every run can’t possibly be easy or feel good. Some might disagree with that sentence but I have found it to be true for myself and in talking with fellow runners. Especially when training for an event. You’re asking your body to move faster than it normally does for extended periods of time. Of course it’s going to hurt at some point.