If you’re an athlete, you know the day of a game, match, or meet can be exhilarating, exhausting, and maybe a little chaotic. For track athletes, meet days are full-day events, requiring extra preparation. A successful day goes beyond just what you pack; it’s about ensuring both your mind and body are in peak condition.
Feeling great on meet day is doing great on a meet day. This is how I keep myself mentally ready for competition.
The first step I take is playing music when I’m getting ready. I find keeping a consistent routine in and out of competition is the best way to keep my mind relaxed. Music helps me wake up and set a positive tone for the day, so I foster it into my meet days.
After I’m ready and everything is packed I make sure to eat a breakfast that will provide me with sustained energy for the day. Greek yogurt with granola and cottage cheese is my go-to.
The entire ride to the meet, I mentally prepare myself. I take time to visualize my jumps and how I’m going to execute them. I’m always a bit nervous on meet days, so once we arrive I usually try to find a quiet space where I can sit, stretch, and do breathing exercises. Stretching right away helps get the body moving and warm especially after a long bus ride.
When it’s time to start warming up, I put on R&B music to relax before my event. Warm-up takes about an hour and a half and is essential for injury prevention. Before check-in, I take my headphones off and always pray.
Showtime.
The Unspoken Athlete 
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