The Stages Of A Runner On Race Day | The Odyssey Online
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The Stages Of A Runner On Race Day

It's a roller coaster of emotions that only fellow runners will understand

Marlena Giannone
Oct 10, 2016
Thornton, CO
33
The Stages Of A Runner On Race Day
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Although this is my one and only year in cross country, I think I’ve been in it long enough to know all the stages a runner goes through on race day. It's always tough to make it through the day with so much on your mind...

1. Wake up excited and ready to run

It’s race day! You actually wake up on time for once and aren't tired at all.

2. Excitedly packs duffel bag with snacks and running gear


Must get all the cliff bars and plenty of water, plus your lucky shoes- it makes you run faster. Wait I need an extra pair of socks too, what if they get wet? Don't forget the warm ups, got to be a coordinated team.

3. Doesn’t want to be at school

Why can’t we just get the entire day off? There is no way I am going to focus anyway. My mindset has to be on running from now until I finish the race today.

4. Time to go

Peace out everyone. Ha! you still have to stay in school. I’ll be at my meet for much longer than actually necessary but at least I won't be here.

5. Nervous butterflies

Wait actually, I’m not mentally prepared for this today, what if I hyperventilate again? What if someone falls and we have to start over and all my adrenaline is depleted? What if I fall? Why are there so many people?

6. When you get to the course


What in the world is this? 3 hills? Who do you think I am? Might as well not even try. There is no way I’m making a PR this race.

7. 30 minutes before the race

Time to warm up. It’s just a normal day at practice. This will be good, I need to get all my nervous energy out now.

8. The cheer

*must be the loudest and most obnoxious of all the teams*

9. Hearing the race gun

Wait, I’m not ready. Ah shoot time to go. Why is everyone going so fast?

10. During the race

Why do I run? What is the point of this sport? I'm dying? I can't breathe. Oh hey look mile 2, I’m doing great, time to speed it up. Only 1 mile left.

11. 100 meters to the finish

I’m gonna sprint, starting… now! Actually no, this pace is fine. Wait what are you doing, there is no passing me. *full blown sprint to the finish* (Edward in this gif)

12. Crossing the finish line

I am dead. Thank goodness that's over. Hey do not tell me to keep moving, I will move when I am ready! Water?

13. Seeing your time

Well I could've ran harder. 10 seconds off from my personal record are you kidding me?

This same process repeats before every race with slight variations to the more negative reactions. Only the true runners will understand the roller coaster of emotions on race day. Running is purely mental, which is why we are all insane.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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