How To Race Happy
Are we happy because we race well or do we race well because we’re happy?
Before the recent 3k OCRWC World Championship race, I traded in my social self for a serious one (big mistake – more on that later) and ended up running a sub-par race. Super nervous the day before? Super disappointed after? With over 300, trust me – this is NOT my style.
(I know that style is not emotionally sustainable, but something about turning 40 shifted my usual do-your-best, have-fun, don’t-get-too-caught-up-in-the-outcome race mindset that has allowed me to experience immense joy while racing for 25 years.)
Something had to change.
So, the next day, I sought out every baby, kid, dog, and weirdo in a costume I could find, and my mood lifted with every drool and barf-filled smile.
The result?
I lined up for the team relay the following day relaxed and feeling more like my old self again. My friends and I worked together, raced well, and had a blast! Mission accomplished. Oh, and we did win, too – but that was just a bonus.