Our State Championship Class races are tomorrow, and for the 2nd time in 3 years, the team I coach is in the running for the State Title (we were runners-up in 2014). It's a different situation this time, as there's a lot more parity in our Division: there are about 5 teams that are fairly closely matched, and the point spread between them is expected to be fairly small (by the standards of a meet in which there will be 30 teams). It's as likely that we could come in 5th as 2nd, etc. A 1st place finish would be a long shot, but it's possible. Needless to say, I'm anxious.
We've done the preparation, we've scouted the competition, we're resting now, and there's little a coach can do at this point but make sure that practices don't contain too much intensity, that I remind the runners to get to bed early and hydrate over these couple of days... and give them words of wisdom to motivate them right before the race.
I pretty much know what I want to say, but I'm curious: those of you who have been on successful teams, what did your coach say to you right before a big meet? Did it have any impact on your mentality/motivation? Coaches: what have you said to your teams right before these races?