Why Am I So Nervous for My Race…Even Though the Last One Went Well?

PodcastRace DayDopeySpeed and Pace
Written By Ali Marty

Season 3 of Running to the Castle Podcast w/ Dr. Ali Marty

Episode 191 When Your Last Race Went Great…And Now You’re Freaking Out runDisney Races

In this episode of Running to the Castle, Dr. Ali explores a surprisingly common experience for runDisney runners…feeling more nervous before a race when the last one went really well.

Using a client’s comment as inspiration, she breaks down why a great race can actually increase pressure, fear of expectations, and anxiety about “having to repeat” past success. 

Dr. Ali explains why every race deserves to be treated as a reset, why comparing back-to-back race performances can steal your joy, and how choosing one goal race per year while giving other races different purposes can calm nerves and restore confidence. 

She walks through practical examples including Dopey weekend strategy, character-focused races, and pacing expectations…all while reminding runners that so much of race day is out of their control. 

The takeaway is simple but powerful…you don’t need to keep proving yourself every race to be a real runner.

Ali Marty

Hi! I’m Ali. I’ve been in the health and wellness space since graduating with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2012. I worked in the typical outpatient clinic with active men and women with orthopedic injuries (shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, muscle and ligament tears, knee pain, IT Band pain, plantar fasciitis, and hip and knee arthritis until 2018 at which point I started Mobile Physical Therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the past few years I’ve transitioned to helping women running runDisney races after they’ve had an injury and they want to finish strong and enjoy the rest of their runcation.

https://dralipt.com
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