Athletes reach the top of their sports by reaching for perfection. The best preparation, most effective training regimen and impeccable execution during competitions are necessary factors for flawless performance. A runner who wants to not only win the race but do so with no errors whatsoever needs to follow five particular steps including exception preparation, concentration, technique and strong finishing strategy to accomplish her goal.
Preparation
There are many things you can do the day of the race to prepare to run well. According to Noah Johnson and Karen Asp in an article for "Men's Fitness," you should check to make sure your necessary materials such as cap, socks and shoes are ready, and take a look at the weather forecast to know whether you need additional clothing items. Plan to arrive at the race early but don't line up for your event until it is called so you will not waste energy with anxiousness.
Visualization
Visualize yourself running the perfect race in the hour before it is time to compete. Picture the line up, start, your stride and kick, the pace and the finish you hope to achieve. Picturing your perfect race will help you set your mind toward what you need to have your body accomplish. Your mental pictures will translate into action when you take off at the sound of the gun.
Solitary Focus
Distractions can spell disaster for you while you are running. Keep your head still, and your thoughts centered on good technique and running your practiced pace. Controlling your thoughts even when there are cheers, the sounds of other runners breathing and more external noises is critical to your success. Run "inside your head" as much as possible while your body moves through the course.
Technique
You have trained hard to have good technique so make it work for you on race day. Relax your body so you are not running stiff and allow your arms to move naturally in a pumping motion as you kick. Maintain your best running posture of leaning slightly forward while you hit your stride. Pay attention to your breathing. According to "Fitness" magazine, you should breathe in a pattern of inhaling for two steps and exhaling the next two steps. Be patient and don't drop your form if you are passed. Look for your opportunities to move ahead as you maintain your best technical running.
Strong Finish
Get it up when you get to the final stages of your race. Make sure you have saved something special for your final sprint to the finish line. Complete your best race with your strongest kick. The last segment of the race will be over in a flash and to have run your best, you need to make your best effort following all of your preparation and focus. The final push counts.
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