4 tips to overcome self-doubt before race day

In the days leading up to your goal race, it’s easy for negative thoughts to creep into your mind. If you struggle with self-doubt before a race, you’re not alone — most runners, at one point or another, have had this experience. After all, the mental aspect of training and racing is part of the battle. Still, it’s easy to let these thoughts get the better of you and sabotage all the hard work you’ve put in to get you to the start line. The good news is, there are a few strategies you can use to overcome self-doubt and win the mental battle so you can perform your best on race day.

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Use imagery

One popular strategy many runners use is to walk themselves through their race in their minds. In the days leading up to the race, take a few minutes before bed each night (or at a time that’s convenient for you) to imagine yourself running — and finishing — the race. Picture starting out strong and relaxed. Imagine yourself tackling the big hill. Think about the inevitable moments in the race when things will get tough, and picture yourself pushing through them. If you mentally walk yourself through the race a few times before you toe the start line, by the time the gun goes off you’ll have already “run the race” beforehand, so you can start with confidence.

Keep yourself busy

The last week or two before your goal race is typically when you’re tapering, and while this reduction in mileage can be welcome after weeks or months of training, the extra hours in your week this provides means plenty of time to think, and for self-doubt to creep in. While you’re tapering, make sure you plan things to do to fill those extra hours so you’re not sitting idly, thinking about whether you’ve done enough to be ready to achieve your race goal.

Trust your training

In the days leading up to your goal race, it’s easy to start looking back on your training and wonder if it was enough, if you could have done more and if you’re truly ready. As the saying goes, “the hay is in the barn” at this point and no extra training you do now will help you on race day, so all you can do is relax and trust in the work you’ve put in.

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Get some support

If you’re really struggling, talk to someone you trust, like a coach, a running buddy or anyone who might understand your position and who can offer some advice, help quell your nerves or provide the encouragement you need to approach race day with confidence. Sometimes all it takes is a few kind words from a friend to bolster you up and kick self-doubt to the curb.