Pre-race jitters

I've been racing for 35 years and still get a little nervous for certain races.  I find that for me there is a direct relationship between nerves and expectations for the race.  I don't get any more nervous for a small, local running race than I do for a workout.  There is always a joyful anticipation at the start which is kind of like going to Disneyland for the first time.  I am all smiles at the start of most races.

I do many running races throughout the year so I know if I don't do well there is always the next race.  But even though I swim/bike train all year I only do a handful of tri's a year so my expectations get bottled into a very few events relative to the preparation that goes into it.  This causes a lot more anxiety in me.  I usually start focusing on an early June HIM in January so I've got 5 months of prep and planning that goes into that one day.  I'm happy but definitely have some jitters.  Keeping track of all my gear contributes to it.  I had to change a tire shortly before the start of my last IM and pinch flatted it.  I broke into a cold sweat until the next tube held.  I was still nervous about it in T1.

I do not think there is really a lot one can go about eliminating these feeling but I don't think I'd want to either.