26.2 Marathon Day Anxieties - How to Overcome Them to Enjoy a Positive Race

If you feel nervous about your upcoming race - you’re not alone. Most runners suffer from MarathonPhobia.

Talking to my running crew during our 12-mile taper run in preparation for the Chicago marathon – everyone shared their marathon anxieties, including (in no particular order): 

1.      Fear of letting down other people (family, friends, charity sponsors…)

2.      What if I have a gastrointestinal issue?

3.      Did I do enough training? I didn’t do enough hill workouts– it’s too late now

4.      Will there be big lines for the Porta-Potties?

5.      Climate worries – will it be too hot, cold, rainy….?

6.      How do I cope with the Wall? – I’ve only run 20 miles in training.

7.      What if my alarm fails to go off?

8.      If I can’t find my lucky socks – the race is doomed.

9.      What if I miss the packet pick up?

10.   What do I wear on race day? – I’ve already changed my mind 4 times

11.   What do I eat for breakfast?

12.   My knee has started to twinge – is this my old injury coming back to haunt me?

13.   I’ve got a tickle in my throat – will this develop into something serious?

14.   Will I find my corral? – pace group?

15.   I always go off to quickly and die later.

16.   Will I be able to see my supporters in the crowd?

17.   Where will I meet my supporters after the race?

18.   What if I get blisters, chaffing, sunstroke?

19.   What happens if I forget to take my gels or drink enough water?

20.   Will my watch work with the tall buildings?

21.   What happens if I can’t sleep the night before?

22.   I’ve trained for 16 weeks but I just don’t feel ready.

23.   I’m tempted to try out the new superfast shoes the pros wear on race day?

24.   Will I miss my goal if I have to take a restroom break?

25.   What happens if I get injured – how do I get back to the start line?

26.   After my last race – I had the post marathon blues (even though I got a PR). 

26.2  A new one for 2021 – I’m confused by the COVID-19 rules. Which test? When? Masks?

This is just a shortlist – I didn’t want to turn this post into an ultra by listing them all.

Given the range of anxieties, it is clear that runners are serious worrywarts. I was surprised that fear of getting kidnapped by aliens on the way to the race didn’t come up.

How do I conquer my fears?

To help you overcome your anxiety and arrive at the start line fully mentally prepared to crush your goals, we’ve persuaded top sports psychologist Dr. Jim Afremow to distill the same mental training playbook he used to coach 17 Olympic champions and share it with you.

What do I do next?

To access the workshop, How To Overcome Marathon Anxiety and Crush Your Race Goals just click and we’ll send you a recording you can watch to help you crush your race.

Run smart….

Kevin

Editor Rundamentalists