How to Conquer Race-Day Jitters

How to Conquer Race-Day Jitters

Don't let nerves psych you out!

This article was written by Emily Abbate and provided by our partners at Fitbie.com.

Fitbie editor Emily Abbate is training for the 2014 New York City Marathon. In this week's installment of our series following her training journey, she stops by the finish line with Jen Ator, Women's Health's fitness director, and talks race-day anticipation.

I think I've stopped dead in my tracks at least three times over the past week, really coming to terms with what's about to happen. It's hard to believe that I'll be running the New York City Marathon so soon. This…it's all come down to this. I realize that the opportunity cost for doing something like this is, well, high. The nights spent inside. The hours spent pounding pavement. The early morning runs and 8,000 extra loads of laundry. That cost will become worth it the second I cross the Verrazano and begin my journey through the five boroughs.

Sunday, November 2, 2014, I'll cross the finish line and officially join the 956,171 men and women who've done so before me in the race's 44-year history. Exciting? Of course. But you can't blame a woman for having some pre-race nerves. That's where Jen Ator, Women's Health's fitness director, comes in.

Ator recently added "Ironman" to her résumé after completing the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. (For the record—that's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run!) Needless to say, she knows a thing or two about managing race-day jitters and arriving at the finish line with a smile. Whether you're conquering your first 5-K or striving to finish that 26.2-mile race like I am, check out Ator's race-day tips for your best run yet:

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Have you been following along with Emily's journey to the New York City Marathon? If not, check out the other episodes in the series:

My Journey to the New York City Marathon

Why Cross-Training Is Great for Runners

'Runner's World' Training Tips for Your Best Race Ever

What You Really Don't Understand Until You Train for a Race

Expert Nutrition Advice for Your Best Run Yet

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