One of the main techniques I used was focusing on the goal and visualising myself competing in the race before the race started.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I am a big believer in visualization. I run through my races mentally so that I feel even more prepared.
I always work the same way, starting from the beginning of the weekend, so I know at the beginning of the race, from all that I have analysed during the practice, whether I will win the race or not.
The only thing I want to think about the moments before a race is competing. I don't want the little things to distract me.
I don't remember my first race, but I do recall various school sports days where I became way too competitive. We were seven or eight years old, and I had a very stern conversation with my relay team-mates about how crucial it was for us to win.
I'm a very goal-oriented person, so I look at the specific demands of a certain race and tailor my training towards that.
Races always are good to show where you are reaching in your training as well as to keep you sharpened. Every race, in my program, I put it in a special way like a ladder, climbing up slowly and slowly to the next one. I see where my training is, and that is like a test.
Practice being in the moment when you are running, whether you are on your own or in the race.
The real preparation for races is done in the off-season. I put in the hard work during the summer and fall, and I'm always working on technique so that when the actual races come around I'm ready to go.
Mentally, my key is just focusing on the little things I need to do in a race, whether that's tempo, turn entry, start speed, things like that. I'm not thinking about that much before or during a race. I just trust in my ability and all the hard work I put in and let the race come to me.
When I'm starting a race, I just completely narrow down my vision and focus on what's directly ahead of me.