How to Overcome Race Anxiety: The Open Water Swimming Community Answers

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Do you get a nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach on the day of a race? It’s only natural to be a little nervous and excited for a race, but there’s a point where that anxiety takes a toll on your mind and body, and it can affect your performance.

In this edition of the Odyssey “Ask the Community” series, we asked swimmers how they overcome race anxiety. Here are tips from the open water swimming community. 

Facebook 

  • “I've probably raced 18-20 times in my life -- the last 2 years ago. It's very tough for me--some races worse than others. I'm not that anxious pre-race, but occasionally when the race actually begins, I feel this panic, looking out at the course and getting overwhelmed by what can look like an infinite distance (I'm thinking Chesapeake Bay) or a buoy that seems miles away. As I might have posted in response to a different question, I just start counting strokes. I tell myself, 'just take 20 strokes, and see how you feel.' Sometimes, it takes a second set of 20 to calm down, but usually by then I'm in a rhythm, and the nerves melt away.“ - John D.

  • “I don't. I haven't really figured it out yet. But once that gun goes off, a few min later the anxiety turns into fuel.” - Nicole E. 

Instagram 

  • “Visualization” - @mrweskayak

    • “Same” - @thewhitmc

  • “Vitamin B1” - @petersejohansen

  • “When I start a triathlon I always get anxiety at the beginning of the swim. I learned that if I count my strokes it helps keep my focus on something else and it really calms me down and puts me in a rhythm.” - @miradorglass

  • “Acclimatize, breathe and control your thoughts.” - @capescotty

  • “CBD” - @justin_rich

  • “Push ups.” - @pjmills101

  • “Meeting other racers and sharing the excitement, which reminds me why I do it.” - @thewhitmc 


Join the conversation and help spread your open water swimming advice and tips with the community! Follow Odyssey on social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Rustin Rassoli