For Runners- how can I run a better race? Give me your own methods!

Question

I'm a good runner, but I seem to run best on my own. When I'm in a race, I get intimidated by people passing me, especially cocky athletes that sometimes give you a "look"... And even if I can pass them, I don't because I get so discouraged! This is a real problem!

How can I, as a runner, prevent myself from losing my edge during a race because I let myself feel defeated? The physical training is not a problem for me. It's the MINDSET I'm really struggling with.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

No matter how nice you are, you have to pretend, during the race, that you totally hate all the other runners (unless you're on a team with them). You also have to be cocky for a little bit. If someone gives you a look, look back at them. If someone passes you, pass them back. Of course, you don't have to act like this for everyone and definitely not after the race, but during the race you have to believe you really are the best.

Answer 2

Don't worry about the other racers. Seriously. I run 5ks and 10ks religiously and I'm hardly ever at the front of the pack in the beginning. Rarely. Yet, I consistently place.

Recently there was a study down on how to improve your time in a 5k... and it was interesting, because they took people with similar paces. They forced some of them to alter their pace... not stay at a steady pace... and they found that those that did that improved their time. The ones that did the best were the ones that strived to increase their pace in the beginning (not too much though...), the next were the ones that broke out at the end, the ones that didn't substantially improve were the ones that maintained a constant speed.

Interesting, eh?

Answer 3

if ur talking about long distance i set a goal and try to go for it. but i cant keep track of time so i set a good pace. then i pick a person in front of me and catch up to him slowly. if he is going at good pace i try to stick with him. if i feel confident then i try to catch up the next guy in front of me and repeat the cycle. but dont overdo it or u might burn out. and remember to run for ur life in the last 200m.

Answer 4

I get nervous scared easily.  I'm also quite shy in person.

I learned to just ignore them.  I don't pay attention to them at the starting line.  I focus on myself.  I don't look at my competitors, I look forward onto the track or course and focus myself.  Even when I run, I basically never look at my competitors' faces.  I can't let them phase me.

I have to get myself pumped up and get myself to think tough.

I use people's arrogance as a self-motivator.  "They think they can beat me?  I'll prove them wrong".  Also what can they really do if you pass them?  If they try to knock you down, they can get disqualified.  I also often think of people as just checkpoints instead of actual people and it's almost like a game.  I tend to develop this aggressive-ness inside of me.  I've played many sports, people push and play dirty sometimes but I have to bounce right back.  If I don't, I'm only hurting myself (and possibly the team).  "I won't submit to them" is basically what I always say to myself. I'm not going to give them what they want and give up.

Also you're running your own race.  I'm running to beat MY PRs and I'm running for me.  I'm not the fastest girl on the track in varsity races.  People pass me, in longer races people lap me.  I just focus on myself.

Motivational music helps me too :)  

Answer 5

When the caller says, on your mark: just look down the track and visualize the race, even if you aren't the best runner, have a "i can triumph" attitude. NEVER EVER look at another runner. It WILL ruin your time. Do professional athletes ever do that?? not really.

If you don't look at those cocky jocks, then you won't be concerned with them!

Oh, and feed off the energy of the crowd!!!!!!!

peace!