The Nervous Energy Was Palpable

Runners were lining up at the starting line for their races in Hartford, Connecticut.  A mass of humans were about to embark on something they had been training hard for.  People waited in long lines for a restroom, others were warming up, and small groups were posing to get the perfect selfie.  It was clear that some of the athletes had pre race jitters. They were nervous.

Why do we get nervous anyway?  Our emotions come from our thoughts.  We get nervous because of thoughts like: 

• Will I make it to the port-a-potty in time? 

• Wow, she looks strong, I am out of my league. 

• I could take a wrong turn.

• I have never done this before. 

• This is going to be hard. 

• I might not finish.  

• What if I get hurt? 

• I can’t do this.   

• I may not have trained enough.  

• What if I get shin splints like last time? 

• I shouldn't have eaten so many Girl Scout Thin Mint Pretzels. (Yes, they are a thing. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Costco.  You are welcome.)

Feeling nervous can be uncomfortable.  For me I feel nervous in my belly, my mouth gets dry, I am a little shaky, and my heart rate increases.  Not my favorite emotion, but nothing I can’t handle.  Being nervous isn’t a problem until I make it harder by thinking I shouldn’t be nervous.  It makes total sense I would feel nervous if I were thinking the thoughts we just looked at. It is part of the human experience.  When I notice I am nervous, I don’t need to panic.   I take a deep breath and let Nervous be there.  “Hey there Nervous.  I was expecting you.  Looks like you are running the race with me. Let’s do this.  See you at the finish line.”

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