We had a great episode about what can happen on race day.
In this episode of The Athlete’s Compass, co-hosts Paul Warloski, Dr. Paul Laursen, and Marjaana Rakai unpack the often-overlooked reality of race day anxiety for everyday endurance athletes. They explore how physiological responses like elevated heart rate and the “monkey mind” can feel overwhelming, yet serve a functional purpose. The team discusses personal stories, evidence-based strategies like visualization and race-day rehearsals, and the power of simple tools—breathing, smiling, human connection—to reframe anxiety into a performance enhancer. They emphasize preparation, self-efficacy, and presence as key to transforming nerves into fuel.
Listen here: Your Brain on Race Day: Understanding Pre-Race Anxiety - Athletica or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts