09/30/2026
It is completely normal to feel stressed and anxious before an endurance race.
You have spent months preparing for this. Whether you are chasing a PR or simply crossing a finish line for the first time, either one is incredible. Do not let the nerves get in the way of what you have already built.
Here are 4 things to avoid leading into race day:
1. Under fueling
If you have followed a solid training plan you are not going to fall apart because you are not ready. You will fall apart because your body runs out of fuel. Cramping, fatigue, and late race injuries can come from poor nutrition. Eat enough and learn to fuel while you compete depending on the race.
2. Doing extra miles or threshold work to test yourself
You have a taper for a reason. The last two weeks are not about building anymore. They are about recovering, maintaining, and getting your body ready for the main event. Trust the work you already put in.
3. Treating every workout like race day
If you are constantly going as hard as you can you will not be able to show up fresh when it actually matters. Easy days are meant to be easy. That is what allows you to perform in your quality sessions and on race day.
4. Cutting strength training completely
Dropping strength work from your program leaves your body more vulnerable as your mileage builds. When your muscles are not strong enough to handle the load that is when the nagging injuries start to show up. The stronger you are the more resilient your body becomes, not just during training but on race day when it matters most.
Do not make these mistakes after everything you have already put in.
Race season is here.
I am rooting for every single one of you. 🙌
