Hi everyone
I'm a sophomore and run both XC and Track, and I have a problem.
So for most of my running career, I've struggled with mental toughness when it comes to competing. For a while, I was improving a lot so I didn't mind much...until this XC season. So much went wrong: I dropped from #6 to #12 on the team, I didn't PR at all, and I along with my coaches was very disappointed. Every coach on my team individually told me that I should be around 17:30 in the 3 mile and other than one 18:15, I only ran around 19 flat for most of the season. I trained consistently, pushed myself hard in every workout and long run (both physically and mentally), got lots of sleep, and felt confident overall. When it comes to racing, however, all that goes away. Before the race, I get really nervous and it's hard to focus on believing in myself instead of the negative, jittery thoughts that fill my brain. Me battling to keep them away (which therefore amplifies my nerves a ton as well) drains me, and it makes me just wanna get through the race and go home instead of being excited and hopeful for a good race. Does anybody have any ideas of what I could do to combat this? It's been humiliating and incredibly discouraging considering all time and sacrifice I make for running.
Thanks