Motivational Words Before States?

So how did you do?

I seem to recall that Alex Ostberg ran sub-15 at Wickham Park his senior year.

If my memory is indeed correct, that's an absolutely insane performance.

"It's just another race, go out there and do what you have trained to do."

Kids, especially guys, are already jacked up enough, they need to relax and run a good race. Motivational words prior to "the big race" tend to lead to a blazing fast first mile, followed by a crash and burn in the last half of the race.

Express your confidence in their abilities, training, etc. but don't *motivate* them.