"I'm so grateful for all the opportunities running has given me and the people it has allowed me to meet, so having trust in yourself when you step on to that starting line can mean a lot."
We are back with another installment of 'Five Things I Can't Live Without On Race Day.'
What are the rituals and routines that motivate you on that big day?
Whether it's a physical item, a set of motivations, a weekly affirmation or anything else, we're diving into the specifics to learn what inspires athletes ahead of their toughest moments on the course.
This week, East Greenwich's Reese Fahys outlines what gets her ready to go on the line.
If you would like to be featured in this new series in the weeks to come, email Cory Mull at cory.mull@flosports.tv.
Related Links:
Five Things Ethan Coleman Can't Live Without On Race Day
Lucky White Sports Bra
---
It's common for people to have a good luck charm, whether that be a piece of jewelry, a special prayer, or a lucky pair of shoes, but for me it ended up being my plain white Nike sports bra!
My first ever high school race at the beginning of my freshman year was the first race I wore this piece of clothing. That race ended up being the race that made me excited to be a part of the sport.
It was the beginning of all the goals I would set for myself and it would also help me enjoy the process of running. After that race, I've worn a white sports bra every race in high school because of the luck and good thoughts it has brought me.
Team Chant
---
The East Greenwich XC girls have a special way of sending each other off into our races before the start ... we do our team chant!
For our team chant, we do our final strides on the field off from the starting line and get into a big circle. We put our arms around each other and start swaying and yelling -- "OO - OO - AH - AH - AY- AY - TURN IT UP" (x3) -- getting louder with each yell and finally ending it with, "EAST ON THREE - 1 - 2 - 3 EAST!"
The adrenaline that builds up in just those few seconds during our cheer gets us all excited and ready to race!
Music
---
Music is a big part of my life; there is not one day that goes by where I'm not listening to music, whether it's blasting in the car with friends, whether I'm listening to it while doing my homework, or anything else.
Before races, music is a big part of my warm-up routine and how I get ready to race. It drowns out all my surroundings and helps me get into a healthy headspace to race. It also pumps me up.
I always have my AirPods on the bus ride to races and during stretching and while I'm doing my easy jog before the race. As a runner myself, I used to get nervous before races, but after adding in the component of listening to music before my races, it's done me so much good and given me a lot of confidence.
Nuun Drink
---
As an athlete, it is very important to take care of your body properly to help you perform and stay healthy.
For myself, last year during my sophomore year of XC I found out that my body performs better with having electrolytes in my system before a race.
With the help of my mom, coach Erin Newman and coach Jeanine Connolly, I found a supplement that worked for me.
I started using the Nuun electrolyte tablets and putting them in my water to drink throughout the day leading up to harder efforts like workouts and races. It helps keep my body healthy and perform well when I need it to.
Trust
---
Trust on race day can mean many things.
Trust to me, personally, means to 'trust the process' that has helped me get to the present moment I'm in; trust means having confidence in myself from all the hard work and hours I've put into the sport; and finally, trust means having faith in my teammates and coaches.
I'm so grateful for all the opportunities running has given me and the people it has allowed me to meet, so having trust in yourself when you step on to that starting line can mean a lot.
For More:
If you'd like to be featured in this new series in the weeks to come, email Cory Mull at cory.mull@flosports.tv.
