KENNESAW, Ga. - The art of competition is something that cannot be replaced by any feeling. The adrenaline that builds before game day drives an inward fuel that is like no other. Running is no different. There are fierce competitors fighting and using all of their strength to pass and outrun every individual on the course in front of them. However, there is a unique competitor in cross country that is different than most sports; at the end of the day, your biggest competitor is yourself.
I sat down with three different athletes to ask them how they battle themself on and off the field. What are their motivators? What keeps them in check with beating their own time again and again? What is the pre-race pep talk they must give themselves to succeed?
Rachel Dodsworth, a sophomore excited to kick off a strong second year of cross country at Kennesaw State, said, "The mental side is really hard for cross country and track. I really try to focus and make sure I'm in the right mental mindset. I know I'm physically fit enough, but a lot of times you must make sure you're mentally fit enough as well."
Staying "mentally fit" may look different for multiple athletes, but there are some common denominators. Dodsworth talked highly of the impact of the race environment. She says her mother is always there supporting her which reminds her to keep going.
According to Dodsworth, "The atmosphere alone is enough to set your pace for racing; but feeding off those who support you can encourage and build confidence for the run." She further says that, "You have to be confident in yourself to race confident."
As far as pre-race practices she shared, "By only putting wholesome things in your mind before the race, it helps your mind throughout the race." The song "Know you Well"' by Hillsong circles through Dodsworth's head as a reminder that she is mentally ready to race and helps to calm any last-second nerves.
Gavin Frick, a sophomore already racing ahead of the pack this season, reiterated this concept by saying that it is necessary for his teammates to feel hype because he feeds off their energy. The influence of those around him helps his mental prep to be positive and get his blood going. He says that race prep begins days before the meet through teammate encouragement, excitement, and hyping his friends up. By getting the energy going days before a meet, it helps the team peak on game days.
"When they're really amped up, I kinda get really amped up," said Frick. "So my job for the week leading up to the meet is to make sure they're amped up so it gets me amped up for the race."
Finally, freshman Samantha Hennen stated that mental prep at practice helps her stay confident for meets. Hennen's coaches always prepare her well by giving her times to stick with at practice, a good mileage each week, and by encouraging her to run alongside teammates that help her pace herself. Working together as a team to keep going builds mental stability. As someone new to the team, that stability was so valued in the beginning to help her get her bearings.
Hennen said the team dynamic is most important to her. "The first meet was my favorite memory of Kennesaw [State ] so far because it was the first time we all raced together and that's really exciting," she recalled. "I felt a lot more motivated after the first race and now I 'm really excited for the rest of the season."
These three athletes have the morale of positive teammates supporting them. By completing rigorous training together, they are able can celebrate the highs and lows with one another, despite the hardships they face. Racing to beat your personal best and constantly changing the course of the race can be challenging, but so worth it when hard work pays off.
The Kennesaw State Owls cross country team has come a long way from the beginning of the season. While they have only raced four meets, the team is steadying their pace and soaring through what can be a difficult challenge racing on the road so much this season. While their spirits could be swayed by any result, they are a team who fights for morale and supports one another. The encouragement from their teammates is the best medicine for staying mentally fit.
Keep up with Owls cross country teams by following KSU on Twitter at @KSUOwlNation and @KSUTrackFieldXC, on Instagram @ksuowlstrackxc or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook.
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October 28, 2022 at 03:31AM
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Mentally Fit - Kennesaw State Athletics
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