PRE RACE ANXIETY
COPING WITH PRE RACE ANXIETY FOR FEMALE TRIATHLETES
Pre race anxiety is normal, and most athletes experience intense emotions prior to a race. Anziety can be based on through of;
1. Inadequate training prior to the race
2. Setting unrealistic expectations
3. Perception that the race is too hard for your ability
Pre race nerves become a hinderance when you don’t know how to adequately control the body’s ability to prepare for success (Selk 2002)
If you listen to your fears, you will self sabotage and mask your gifts and abilities
These emotions are questions are all normal. Women often suffer from low confidence and worry more than men. These common questions are heightened prior to a race but there are many things you can do to relieve this anxiety
1. Breath slowly and evenly - helps those who’s heart rate speeds up and they tend to rush through their pre race preparation. A great tool to help you deal with pressure
2. Positive visualisation - think about the great training sessions you’ve had, the sessions you’ve felt on fire.
3. Mentally rehearse your race. Think about everything going well and feel yourself having a great race
“Consistent peak performance at events depends upon you mind set. At the time of your event, midst makes the difference between best and average results. On race day all your training is behind you. During your race success is 90% mindset. Fogelman (expertsportsperformance.com
FURTHER RESOURCES FOR WOMEN TRIATHLETES
Other websites that delve deeper into ideas to build self-confidence for women
- www.self-confidence.co.uk/articles/self-confidence-for-women/
- Building Confidence in all parts of your life for women www.girlsguidetoswagger.com/category/men-and-women/
- Great Self Confidence building tips bbc.in/fwuCC3
