If running is 90% mental then why not think about the mental aspect of running a race. I’m not talking about working on your mental toughness to push through, it’s the mental aspect of competition that help you win the race. Here are five pointers to help you compete better:
1. Never look back – Too many runners do this. Never look back to see how close the runner behind you is. This screams that you are tired and just holding on. If you want to gauge your lead, wait for a switchback and look out the corner of your eye. Switchbacks on trail runs are perfect for this. Never let the runner behind you see you turn your head around. If you see someone do this, pass them.
2. Wave and Talk – When going through water points wave and say thank you to the volunteers on the race course. They will appreciate it, you will feel more positive, and most importantly, the competition around you won’t think you are tired.
3. Pass Lightly – When approaching someone you want to pass try to be as quiet as possible. You want to be able to zoom right past them without them noticing or having time to react.
4. Breathe Lightly when Passing – When you pass someone you want them to think you are feeling better than you really are. You’re racing. Shorten and lighten your breathe. Of course you are tired. Your opponent will think, ‘He’s feeling fine. He’s not even breathing!”
5. Pass on uphills – This also makes your opponent think you are less tired than you are and is a great to opportunity to gain ground. Everyone runs slower running uphill. Not you though. You run faster.
One thing to keep in mind though is that if you see me in the race I’m not doing any of these things. I’m not faking anything, I’m really not tired at all. I could go another 5 miles. Seriously. (notice the sarcasm?)
Tags: competition, mental toughness, races, racing
Great racing tips! Number 5 is my favorite, I cant think of anything more demoralizing in a race than getting passed uphill (especially by a girl if you are a male runner). Just want to add one thing – if you are accelerating up the hill though, don’t slow down at the crest or even when you’re going downhill. Try to take even larger steps going downhill to open up that gap and you won’t even have to think about looking over your shoulder later.
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Can I add another mental race tip? . . . Sweet, thanks . . . 6. Confidence not Cockiness – the second you slip up and just assume that your faster or stronger or more resilient than the next guy or girl out there, you’re not, and guess what, you’re butt is gettin’ passed by runners you couldn’t even see since your ego was in the way. So spare us the “Sucker” sucker.
Great tip Crabman! I’ll have to tell my friends because I personally have never been beaten at anything in my life, to include staring contests, standing on one foot, and of course, blogging.
You’re the man Barber, but hey . . . you already knew that.
These ‘tips’ did not help me in the least. I matters none what others think of me as I run. Nor will the opinion of another add or take away from what I am or can do. All of this stuff is superficial. If I want tips I am looking for mechanics and not show
Sorry this wasn’t what you were looking for. These tips are “mental” tips so they do not deal with mechanics. I agree, everyone runs their own race and it really doesn’t matter what others think of you, but it does give you an edge if other runners think you have a lot more energy left. Good luck on your next race!