11 Thoughts To Get The Mind Right to Race

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 4 MARCH '25

Originally published over 12 years ago, reposted with some updated content. :)

Athletes who train exceptionally well but fail to consistently perform well in races often face various challenges, including lack of confidence, deviating from a plan, or feeling undeserving of success. To enhance their chances of performing optimally on race day, it’s crucial to focus on mental preparation.

At Team MPI, we begin our athletes’ journey with a comprehensive program aimed at “thinking like an athlete”. This involves consistent, frequent training and a deep understanding of their bodies. We strive to make training enjoyable by helping athletes comprehend the fluctuations in their performance, acknowledging that some days may feel fantastic while others may be challenging. Additionally, we encourage athletes to adopt a long-term perspective, setting their goals and ambitions beyond the initial main race.

In preparing to race, I've listed eleven key thoughts to keep in mind before an event. While this list is not exhaustive, it may serve as a resource to help you mentally prepare and perform at your best.

1) Believe in your worthiness for success. It may sound silly, but it’s more common than you think. Many athletes don’t believe in their abilities and self-sabotage before races in various ways, such as engaging in harmful behavior or trying new equipment without proper testing. We work on helping you develop a strong sense of self-belief.

2) Remember, you’re the only one who truly cares about your performance. While close friends, family, and competitors may appear to care, none of them care as much as you do. Therefore, performing for others is futile. Even your coach tends to focus on your potential beyond the race.

3) Don’t confuse realistic goals with breakout goals. We set realistic goals for athletes periodically throughout the season. These goals are achievable at that moment, not what they aspire to do. Set your realistic goal first, and then set your breakout goal—that “perfect” race where everything goes well, and you perform beyond your capabilities. However, avoid confusing the two!

4) Express gratitude for the ability and health to participate in racing. An injury can quickly remind you of how fortunate you are to be able to race. Don’t take it for granted.

5) Embrace the risk of failure and take chances. Remember, “racing” inherently involves risk. You don’t know how you’ll perform. To achieve a great race or even a breakout race, you must put yourself out there, take risks, and be prepared to fail.

6) Understand that a single race doesn’t define your athletic identity. If you have a bad race, learn from it, move on, and apply the principles of #2.

7) Remember, you’re doing endurance sports for the joy it brings you. If it’s no longer enjoyable, reevaluate your reasons for participating. Is it fear of failure or ego? Talk to your coach, and remember, you’re not a professional athlete.

8) While people won’t truly care about your time, they will notice your attitude before, during, and after the race. Bring that gratitude to the event and remind yourself of what you control and don't control. Smiling at others does make you feel better. And remind yourself that you're not alone with your anxiousness and expectations!

9) Racing is a skill that requires time and effort to master. It truly takes time to become a skilled racer. So, remember this, work hard, and consider these 11 tips.

10) There’s no such thing as a perfect race. So, when you have a good race, enjoy it! Don’t be unhappy afterward by nitpicking and finding every little thing that could have been better. Celebrate the moment.

11) Develop a plan, execute it, and understand that it won’t be easy. That’s what makes it special. It may sound simple, but you need to commit to it or else you might end up doing crazy things. Guess what? Racing can be hard. It’s challenging. So, accept that you’ll be entering the “Pain Cave” at some point. Trust me, when you cross that finish line, the pain will disappear instantly. See #1.

Gratefully, 

MarkCEO Team MPI