Tip

Presented by Chris Gannon, Head Coach

Mental Running Tips from Peter Falcon, LIMHP, Sports Mentalist, former DI runner and Creighton Athletics Mental Therapist

Creighton's Athletics Mental Therapist, Peter Falcon, gives his tips to build up your own confidence:

1. POSITIVE SELF-TALK

Utilize positive self-talk if you're doubting yourself or abilities in any way. Choose a mantra that works best for you. This might involve repeating a phrase or short sentence that motivates you to perform positively. (Ex: "Stay patient. Wait until the 1k to go to start my kick. I've got this.")

2. MENTAL VISUALIZATION

Take time to visualize your race as you get closer to race day. Visualize yourself at the start, middle, and end of the race. Visualize specific tactics you might use come race day. Whether that's going out hard, staying patient and finishing strong, or hitting certain splits.

3. GOAL SETTING

Make sure to have a goal before race day. Without a goal or plan in mind, it's hard to visualize and execute our race plan. By having specific goals, we give ourselves a better chance of achieving optimal performance and success when it matters most. SMART goals.

4. SELF-CONFIDENCE/SELF-ESTEEM

It's important to believe in ourselves. Without faith, confidence, and courage in ourselves, it makes it more difficult to race to our desired potential and reach our stated goals. Have confidence in not only yourself, but the training process and all of the miles you've put in leading up to each and every race.