Pre-race rituals significantly influence an athlete's mental state and performance. These intentional sequences, ranging from laying out gear to visualization techniques, help mitigate anxiety, enhance focus, and boost confidence before competitions. Personalization of these routines is key, allowing athletes to feel prepared and in control, ultimately unlocking their endurance potential.
Race-day nutrition is crucial for athletes' performance, with varying needs for different race types. Pre-race strategies include carbohydrate loading and hydration. Short races like criteriums need minimal fueling, while long road races require regular carbohydrate intake. Mistakes like overeating and under-hydration should be avoided, emphasizing the importance of testing nutrition strategies in training.
