258. Professor of Kinesiology Kim Dawson on Managing Pre-Race Anxiety

Race Anxiety

Kim Dawson, a professor of kinesiology, shares insights on transforming pre-race anxiety into a competitive advantage. She emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience, encouraging athletes to manage the highs and lows of running by adopting a growth mindset. "Every high-performance athlete that I work with is slightly pissed off all the time," she notes, highlighting the drive to improve 1. By understanding and controlling emotional responses, runners can channel stress into ambition, ultimately enhancing their performance 2.

   

Mental Fitness

Establishing mental fitness habits is crucial for consistent emotional control in running. Kim Dawson discusses the importance of controlling the controllable, such as one's reaction to external factors like weather, to maintain focus and performance 3. She also highlights the mind-body connection, explaining how physical relaxation techniques can influence mental states. "Out with all of that fear, in with all of that oxygen," she advises, illustrating the power of synchronized breathing and visualization to calm the mind and enhance race performance 4.