General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Anxiety at it's PEAK! Rss Feed  
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2004-08-23 10:30 AM

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Subject: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
I'm signed up for my first OLYMPIC distance triathlon THIS SUNDAY... (August 29, 2004). This is my "A" race... I've been training the distances on a program since the end of March... I feel like I'm in great shape... I'm just so NERVOUS/SCARED/ANXIOUS.... I've got a nearly CONTSTANT upset stomach. I was just reading the race info, the parking info, the spectator guide on the internet, and I had to go to the bathroom with gastro-intestinal issues.
This is not my first race... I've completed 6 other SPRINT events.... this is, however, my first Olympic Distance race, and I'm getting spooked.
I'm going to DO it no matter what... It was an expensive race. I've heard it's crowded, but very well organized. I guess I'm just working myself up into a froth here, and I don't know how to calm the nerves. I'm not usually freaked out at all.
Any hints as to how to calm myself down? Positive Visualization? Valium? Yoga? I'm at a loss.
Ugh, gotta hit the bathroom again. HELLLLPPP!
LW


2004-08-23 10:47 AM
in reply to: #51774

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Laura,
I had a case of the nerves yesterday b4 mine (o.k. it was the day of, so your a bit ahead of schedule). You are obviously prepared, so all i can say is trust your training. As I posted elsewhere my 10 year old's advice proved prophetic: think of it as three separate training sessions.
You know you can do all the distances, it's just a matter of connecting them.

The eupohric feeling I STILL have today will soon be yours!

Trust yourself and enjoy, Mark
2004-08-23 11:35 AM
in reply to: #51774

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Master
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Just like public speaking....just imagine that everyone else on the course is naked....

okay, jk...

I was a basket case b4 my oly....but break it down and really look at it. You've done 6, count them SIX sprints already...you've been training for it. THe only different between sprint and OLy is a little more mileage. You know you can cover the distances so relax.

Something I like to do is visualize a time *after* the race....say at 4pm that day or the following Monday or Tuesday and I'm back at work....the Oly behind you and the feeling you'll be having and how good you'll feel about yourself.

If that doesn't work...again, just think of everyone else on the course naked....hey, it worked for high school speech class...


Good luck!







Edited by crpadiem 2004-08-23 11:36 AM
2004-08-23 12:20 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Whiz, you have nothing to worry about, the anxiety is needless. I know you'll have the perfect shade of lipstick, and as everyone knows, if you look good you will perform good.

I'm going to ask this on the "Who's Racing" forum as well. I have a friend doing Chicago which I think is the same one you're doing. The event web site lets you sign up to get email updates on participants, if you have their last names, I think. Anyone wanting to share that information, I'll add to my "Watch List" and be cheering you on remotely come Sunday.

Edited by the bear 2004-08-23 12:27 PM
2004-08-23 12:29 PM
in reply to: #51829

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

I'm Laura Wisz... Hope you're not disappointed!!! Bib #3686... Lord Help Me!!!!

I think I RATIONALLY know I should be able to finish, definitely... I feel like I've trained sufficiently... It's just that I'm such a lousy runner, I'm worried about being able to complete the run leg of this event. The longest race I've run is an 8K! But I've gone further (Up to 8 miles) in my training... We will have to see... Rationally, I should be OK... Irrationally, my mind is all over the board psyching me out!!!

Thanks, though... Maybe if I grab just the right shade of lipstick in advance of the event, all this worrying will be for naught. It will at least provide a giggle... ha ha ...

LW

2004-08-23 12:40 PM
in reply to: #51837

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Master
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Ok Whiz....I suffer from the same GI pressure before church league softball games let alone tri's. Here's my silly suggestion - find yourself a copy of the Rocky theme song. Not sure if its a distraction technique thing, or if its a brain thing...either way, for some reason...all my nerves channel into something other than anxiety. Now the whole Rocky theme song might not be your thing, but something motivational and stirring. Sometimes just a set of headphones with any old music and closing the old eyes is enough. Good luck!!!!


2004-08-23 12:46 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Master
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Breathe, Laura!! And, uh, I'd skip the bean burritos! (o:

You are going be great! Really! I wouldn't shine you on about this--you've done the hours, you're ready! And there isn't (in my opinion) any way to dispell the nerves. But you can remind yourself that your goal is to have fun, it's your race--run it like you own it!

D
2004-08-23 12:56 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
I bet once you hit the water and start doin' your thing, you'll relax. Its the anticipation that kills. I know this not from tri experience, but from collegiate sports. All of this prerace anxiety is unnecessary "noise", but completely understandable. Go get'em girl! You are awesome!
2004-08-23 1:12 PM
in reply to: #51837

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
8K, 10K,12K, a dollar. It's all the same once you get started. You'll be mauve-elous!
2004-08-23 2:13 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

Like you said, you are trained and ready for this!  This is what you have worked so hard for!  You can do it for sure.  I don't have any words of wisdom, but I'm looking forward to your race report! 

Maybe look at all the quotes here, write some down, and put them on cards - read them whenever you feel anxious.

2004-08-23 2:32 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

OK....breathe, breathe, breathe...

Thanks for all the words of wisdom and encouragement! I knew I could come here and have my nerves soothed.

I'm sure I'll have plenty to say in my race report... (!)


Thanks again, you guys... Mauve-lous! I like it!

LW



2004-08-23 4:02 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
LW,
When I was getting my masters degree, I had to be medicated (Propanilol) before each studio lesson with my prof. I worried for two years about my grad. recital. What's the point? I don't know other than I know what gripping fear feels like and from that experience, I can honestly saw you're going to be fine. Try looking at it this way, you obviously enjoy doing the sprint distance races. Well, your just going to be out on the course enjoying yourself that much longer.
Can't be in Chicago this weekend but we'll all be thinking about you and looking forward to the race report.

Don

p.s. my two races, I still get nervous looking out over the water. However, I can get up in front of hundreds of people and play without thinking twice about it. So you will get used to it.
2004-08-23 4:51 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Elite Veteran
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Aside from just trying to calm yourself down, eat lots of cheest. That ought to stop you up.

Good luck on your race!
2004-08-23 10:04 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Very ripe bananas are great too...and the potassium boost

Don't worry, I know helluva thing to say, but you will be great! You are trained, your body is ready, the mind is ready, YOU ARE READY.

Ripe banananas, too.

Best of luck, wish I could be there I will be thinking of you though.
2004-08-24 9:16 AM
in reply to: #51774

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

Laura,

Three deep breaths: One, Two, Three. Feeling better? Good!

Now as a veteran of the Chicago Triathlon (yea, right, I did it for the first time last year.) A few suggestions:

  • Attend the course talk at the expo. They do a great job explaining the course. Absorb the information!
  • When setting up your Transition, have a way to mark your site if possible. Walk from the Swim Entrance to your Transition zone and then do the same from the bike entrance for T2 so you have a The transition zone is HUGE (over 5000 bikes!). It will be easy to get lost if you are not prepared.
  • Try not to get intimidated on the swim. I suggest swimming to the outside and towards the rear of the pack. However, if you are a fast swimmer, move towards the front and try and get in to the "no-man's land" between waves.
  • Once you exit the swim, you will have about a 1/4 run to the Transition area. Use this time to recover from the swim. Hopefully by the time you hit your bike any disorientation from the swim will be gone. If you don't like to run in bare feet for very long, consider putting an old pair of shoes at the swim exit (although a lot of people do that, may take a while to find your shoes.)
  • Leave your bike in lower gear for coming out of  T1. Immediately out of T1,you will be using a on-ramp to climb up to Lake Shore Drive. Once you get on to LSD, then adjust your gearing to what is comfortable.
  • Enjoy the bike ride on LSD. There is only three times a year that Chicago allows bike directly on LSD. It is awsome! When coming south, take a good look the Chicago Skyline! Magnificant view! Turn to the east and gaze at the Lake.
  • When coming up on the three turnarounds, be careful. There can be some traffic.
  • Don't forget PASS ON THE RIGHT! We will have the two inner lanes on each side of LSD. There will be traffic allowed on the outer lanes. Unless you are passing, stay in the inner most lane.
  • Watch you speed on the off-ramp from LSD back to T2.
  • The run is all on the bike path and sidewalks. Unfortunately it will be possible to see a stray cyclist or (non-race) runner. Just be aware. I also found that when running back along Monroe Harbor, there will be a lot of spectators. Most of them will be enthusiastic and cheering for you. However, some lack some basic intelligence and have a habit of walking right in front of you.
  • Smile BIG for the cameras. The race day photographers do a great job of positioning themselves along the course. I have a picture of myself running with the Sears Tower in the background. Great picture.
  • Most importantly HAVE FUN. This is definately a Premier Triathlon. Enjoy the day.

I hope that this helps. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I will be there on Sunday (Bib #5936!)

2004-08-24 9:26 AM
in reply to: #51774

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

OMG! I'm PRINTING that post.

Thank you so much. I'm feeling a bit better... Spoke with some people in my cycling group who have also done this race before... They are helping to put my mind at ease... Not to mention all of you.... Thank you so much for taking the time (with bullet points no less!) to fill me in on some of the specifics...

I'll watch for you... Good Luck. Fingers Crossed!

LW



2004-08-24 9:42 AM
in reply to: #52271

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Great tips! I emailed it to my friend who is doing the race with Team In Training.
2004-08-24 10:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
hey....I'm doing my first Oly on the same day!  You're gonna be great, not to worry.  You've done all the training and now it's time for the show 

Have fun and we'll check back in Sunday afternoon.
2004-08-24 11:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
you'll do great. i was so nervous for my first sprint, i didn't sleep at all. my parents came out to watch and were very supportive. my mom reminded me that as soon as i got in the water, my body would go into swimming mode, then biking mode, then running mode, and i wouldn't have time to be nervous anymore. you probably already know that. is the race close? could you go check out the course?
2004-08-24 11:31 AM
in reply to: #52348

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
I'm going downtown Chicago on either Friday or Saturday for the expo, goodie bag retrieval, and course talk. Maybe I'll scout out the venues then... I think once I know more and hear the course talk, I'll feel better... I hope!  
2004-08-24 2:58 PM
in reply to: #51774

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Laura, I know this doesn't help but just so you know, you are not alone. I have the same problem and my race is more than 3 weeks away (Sep. 19). I haven't yet found anything that helps to calm my nerves. Let me know if you find anything that works.





2011-08-09 9:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

Wow. It's been almost 7 years. 

For any of you out there, nervous about your first race... you will be fine. You will survive, thrive, and possibly even decide to do an Ironman. And decide to do another one. 

Kiss

2011-08-09 9:48 PM
in reply to: #3636963

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
Whizzzzz - 2011-08-09 9:43 PM

Wow. It's been almost 7 years. 

For any of you out there, nervous about your first race... you will be fine. You will survive, thrive, and possibly even decide to do an Ironman. And decide to do another one. 

Kiss



I love that you revived this! and what a nice end note! (sorry I spoiled it)
2017-08-14 11:30 AM
in reply to: Whizzzzz

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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!

Going back reading that post gave me anxiety AGAIN!

 

I'm 3 IM in now, training for my 4th, which will happen in less than a month, Godwilling!

 

2017-08-14 12:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Anxiety at it's PEAK!
nvm

Enjoy!


Edited by jhaack39 2017-08-14 12:43 PM
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