Getting "Psyched UP" Rather Than "Psyched out"

Cross Country is one of the toughest sports out there. I love the quote which I feel depicts the toughness of running… “My sport is your sports punishment.” It is so true! It takes a certain person to get up and go run 6 miles a day before any of your friends have even woken up, so the fact that you have stuck it out this far reveals a lot about your character.

Runners work through the pain, not against it. They dig up any and all motivation a lot of times when there is none. Runners fight and beat themselves up more than another sport mentally. Essentially, you can be your biggest supporter and greatest enemy - but face it, you cannot do it alone. That is why we have this team. As a team you help motivate, support, and get your teammate through the pain at practice or during the race because face it, that is what they do for you.

When it comes to pre-race jitters, you are not alone. I can guarantee that every runner beside you feels those butterflies in the pit of their stomach when walking up to the starting line. Once you feel those jitters, don't be doubtful be STOKED! These jitters mean that you care about what you’re doing, having passion for something is associated with feeling and you are feeling that passion within yourself. These jitters should remind you off all the hard work you have put towards your passion and you finally are able to show off your hard work. Once the gun goes off, you are able to release these jarred up butterflies and they will help push you off in your race. Running does not come with a lot of awards that other sports do. There is no one else that you can pass the responsibility off to, rather you need to be confident in your abilities and trust they will carry you through that finish line. Regardless of the outcome, learn from your performances on what went well and what didn’t then translate the positives into your next race. As your foot crosses that finish line regardless in race or practice, be proud that you can even complete mileage that most have classified as insanity.

#vpxc #compete #2015 #prerace #running