In the days before a big race, butterflies and nerves are normal. It means you care, and you have earned the right to feel the weight of your goal.
Every Warrior feels it. First-timers. Veterans. Fast runners. Strong walkers. Anyone who trained with purpose.
Anxiety isn’t the enemy. We learn to use it.
Control the controllables
Before race day, build a simple routine you can trust. That routine becomes your anchor when the adrenaline hits.
• Same warmup you use in training
• Same race-morning breakfast
• Same gear and socks
• Simple, repeatable plan
Routine gives your brain a signal: You have done this before. You are safe. You are ready.
Training in harsh conditions also prepares the mind.
Rain sessions. Early mornings. Fatigued legs.
Those were not random struggles—they were rehearsals for race-day discomfort. You already know how to respond.
When nerves show up, remind yourself:
• You earned your spot on that start line
• You showed up when it was inconvenient
• You put in the kilometres and the strength sessions
• You already proved you can do hard things
Think about a session that made you proud—that one workout where you wanted to quit but finished anyway.
Store those memories. They are fuel.
Running is a privilege. Treat race day like a gift, not a test.
Trust your training and step forward with belief
Race morning emotions? Expected.
Butterflies? Good energy in disguise.
You already built the engine.
The race is simply a celebration.
Say to yourself: My body is ready. My mind is steady. Today I execute.
Channel nerves into focus and action
A week out, your job is not to train harder.
It is to prepare smarter.
• Visualise your start, middle grind, and finish
• See yourself breathing strong, running tall, staying calm
• Write down your race and fueling plan
• Pack clothes and gear early
• Sort transport and timing
• Remove little decisions to save energy
The more boxes you tick, the quieter your nerves become.
On race morning:
• Stick to your routine
• Breathe — slow exhales
• Smile — it reduces tension
• Stay present
• Respond to the moment, do not react to emotion
A Warrior does not panic. A Warrior adjusts, adapts, and attacks the plan.
Key Warrior reminders
• Nerves mean you care
• Routine builds confidence
• You have trained for discomfort
• Calm mind, steady breath, strong posture
• You do not need perfect conditions — you are ready anyway
• Focus on effort, form, fueling, and mindset
• Trust the work, trust yourself, then earn the finish
Warrior Mantra for Race Morning
Calm breath.
Strong body.
Clear mind.
I trained for this.
I belong here.
I will finish strong.
Let’s go race
CFBA.
Reference : UESCA
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