Trainer's Corner: Final Week

Afternoon, Ladies & Gents:

Our race is this Sunday. I wish all of you the best of luck. For many of you, this is your first race. And for others, you can consider yourself vets. As in any sport, it's 90% mental, 10% physical.

I want you to begin mentally preparing for the race this weekend. During the quiet time of the day/evening, I want you to close your eyes and think about these things:
Friday:
- what is it going to feel like after work?
- what are you going to eat? what's for dinner?
- what are you going to wear for saturday's expo? for sunday's race?
- the weather's going to be perfect... perfect running weather...
- you are hydrated and still drinking plenty of water...

Saturday:
- you wake up to a perfect morning...
- breakfast is good... water tastes good...
- get changed into your perfect clothes set out the day before...
- you are stretched... you are relaxed... you feel strong... YOU ARE STRONG...!!
- your drive to the expo is perfect... no traffic... parking is not a problem...
- the weather's perfect...
- the check-in goes smoothly... everything's in your goody bag... you know where to put your bib number... you know the run route... you know where all the aid stations are...
- you greet other friendly competitors...
- how is the conversation? how does the sun feel? how does the wind feel? how do others make you feel? good, don't they?
- lunch is good... digestion is good... water tastes good... the butterflies in your stomach gives you energy...
- carb dinner is delicious... company is pleasant...
- what time do you sleep? although you toos and turn, you sleep well...

Sunday:
- you wake up on time...
- breakfast is good... it digests well...
- parking is perfect...
- your running shoes feel good on your feet...
- you are greeted with smiles when you meet your friends... it's a bit nipply...
- the sun hasn't risen yet as you wait in line for the bathroom... pleasant conversation...
- the use of the bathroom is smooth... yes, there is toilet paper!
- you stand in the crowd with your friends...
- the run starts and the crowd slowly begins to shuffle into a run...
- you pass the first person, then the second, then the third... you filter out the crowd until you find the pack you can pace with...
- mile 1... mile 2... aid station goes without a hitch... mile 3... mile 4... aid station is perfect... mile 5... mile 6... you feel strong... you turn around... how high is the sun by now? what's the lighting like? what's the size of the crowd around you? how do your feet sound pitter pattering on the ground? what color is the ground? what's the air smell like? who's with you by now?
- mile 7... mile 8... aid station is perfect... mile 9... mile 10... perfect aid station... the volunteers hand you the cups perfectly... mile 11... mile 12... you hear a crowd and you hear music... mile 13... you're in the final chute... you are not exhausted and you feel strong!!!
- how does it feel to cross the arch of "finish"? what are the volunteers telling you as you hand them the timing chip and the bottom on your bib number? who is there to greet you? what's the name of the song the band is playing?

I WANT YOU TO IMAGINE A PERFECT WEEKEND... A PERFECT RACE... A PERFECT CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GIFT TO US ALL... OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH... AND A MENTAL FOCUS AND WILL TO FINISH THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US...