It’s finally almost here: the big race day!  Many of our minds have already started racing with doubts of not being able to finish or walk/run the race fast enough and we are a bundle of nerves.  On race day, instead of focusing on running/walking the total 13.1 miles, focus on doing a mile at a time.  Your goal is to get to the next drink station, then the next and the next.  We all can do one mile.  Before you know it, you will be at the finish line.  Remind yourself that words and thoughts create feelings and feelings do not always tell the truth. Here are a few techniques you can do to keep yourself strong now and throughout the race.

The night before or the morning of the race take a few minutes to visualize yourself walking/running 13.1 miles.  See yourself crossing the finish line with all of your friends and family and the crowds cheering you on.  Visualize yourself waking up full of energy, feeling vibrant and energetic throughout the marathon.  Visualize yourself finishing without any injuries and a smooth easy journey.  Remember whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

Take some time to come up with positive mantras to counteract the negative internal dialogue creating the fear, nerves and doubt. Saying these mantras the night before will allow you to get a bit more sleep and will assist you during the race to the finish line. Remind yourself you have done the training, you are physically ready, fear is just a false expectation appearing real and that pain is temporary while this accomplishment is for a lifetime.  Find a few mantras that will work for you and when you notice you are focusing on anything negative, switch focus to the mantras you have picked for yourself.

You should all be proud of yourselves for getting to this point.  You all have the mental toughness, focus and determination it takes to finish. See you at the finish line!

Prudence