Almost everyone remembers their first trail race and how they felt before the start. We are not perfect, and it is normal to feel a healthy dose of insecurity. Even after several trail races, I still feel that positive nervousness. That feeling helps me improve and gain new experiences in the field.
In this text, I’ll share common fears that trail runners face before a race—and practical tips on how to handle them, whether it’s your first race or your twentieth.
Common Fears Before a Trail Race
Fear 1: Will I Be Able to Run?
Even though you ran some distance the day before. It happened to me on Kopaonik two hours before the race. Even though I had a training the day before. Just remember how many kilometers your legs have run and that, most likely, everything will go well.
Fear 2: I’ll Be the Last or Miss the Time Limit
This part applies to people who love to compete. They are going to a race for the first time and are extremely self-doubtful. The fact is that many people come there who have not run before that race or have a slower pace than you.
Calculate your average pace from similar training. This will help you predict your running time at the race.
In the end, it’s not bad to be last. You’re already a winner just because you decided to be physically active!
Fear 3: Steep Hills and Difficult Terrain
It is wise to choose the kind of races you participate in and that they are not too adventurous and have higher altitudes. This is important because you need to have experience to be able to climb higher altitudes.
If you encounter a situation where the terrain is steeper and muddy, don’t worry. The fact is that you will be on all fours or get out in any way, or someone will push you.
Maybe you think you can’t do something right now, but when you find yourself in such a situation, you rush forward with all your powers.
Fear 4: Twisting Joints, Falling, or Scratching
First of all, scratching is normal in the forest. As the time you spend in the forest goes by, you will learn how to fall smartly.
Experience is gained by rushing through a group of fallen trees, thorns, roots, and stones without thinking. You should go through such conditions at a slower pace. With that training, you will gain a natural feeling of faster running and balance on various surfaces.
Training is a good way to train your brain for different surfaces and weather conditions.
Fear 5: Getting Lost on the Trail
The organizers of trail races always try to mark the trails as well as possible. Even a person with no sense of orientation in space can run them.
Tracks of all race lengths are usually available on the organizer’s website. It is recommended that you input the track paths into the route app on your Android phone. If you feel insecure about staying alone, you can always follow a runner similar to your speed.
Conclusion
Feeling nervous before a trail race is normal—and that energy can actually help you perform better. Every runner faces doubts about finishing, climbing hills, or navigating tricky trails, but preparation and training turn those fears into confidence. Use these tips to prepare for your next trail race and transform your nerves into excitement.
