Tapering is the fine art of rest. The more you rest the final week the better you will run on race day. Do all runs relaxed and easy. These runs are done to loosen up your legs with a couple of easy accelerations to remind you of how it feels to run fast. Use the anxiety of race day positively. You have passed your test during the miles of training, race day is graduation day.

Positive self- talk works.

– I am in control of my own thinking, my own focus, and my own life.
– I control my own thoughts and emotions and direct the whole pattern of my performance, health and life.
– I am fully capable of achieving the goals I set for myself today. They are within my control
– I am strong, I am fit, I can do it.. I see myself crossing the finish line with a smile.

John Stanton is the founder of Running Room.