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Mental Performance Neal Palles Mental Performance Neal Palles

Mental Skills in Action: Javelina Jighlights

Joly Smokes! Watching the Javelina Jundred from the sidelines last weekend I was witness to an amazing spectacle. I saw people from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, and all ages get to the starting line and take on the incredible challenge of running a hundred miles or hundred kilometers in the desert, under some of the hottest conditions this race has seen.  I love this race for many reasons, most of all as a sport psychology professional I can witness people do something extremely challenging and see them all at multiple points during the race, you get to witness mental skills in action. The following are just some of what I saw from the sidelines.

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Mental Performance, Racing Neal Palles Mental Performance, Racing Neal Palles

Managing Pre-Race Jitters: Staying Composed and Focused Before the Big Race

It’s fall and within the next couple weeks some of the biggest marathons in the country will be taking place: Chicago, New York, Philidelphia! I’ve always felt a nervous energy when race day approaches but I know I’m not alone. Pre-race jitters affect everyone, from first-timers to seasoned marathoners. The anticipation can stir up a boat load of excitement, anxiety, and self-doubt.

The good news: those feelings are normal and can even be redirected into a positive experience.

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