Hi Reader!
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Let me guess. You’ve got a big race or performance coming up, and the anxiety is already creeping in. You’re lying awake at night running through all the what-ifs.
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😵‍💫What if my training wasn’t enough?
😵‍💫What if I blow my pacing strategy?
😵‍💫What if I completely fall apart when it matters most?
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And somewhere in the back of your mind, there’s this quiet voice saying: “If I were more mentally tough, I wouldn’t feel this way.”
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​Yeah. I know that voice well. 😅
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Here at Skadi, we often refer to these thoughts as the monsters. All of us have an inner critic that become very opportunistic and provide us with a whole lot of unsolicited “advice” and commentary when something important is on the line.

Rather than fighting the monster, wasting energy trying to convince them that they’re wrong, we simply bring them along for the ride. We attach them to our top tube, put them in our jersey pocket, and invite them to join us while we continue to show up and do what matters.
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Why? Because your brain is genuinely looking out for you and trying to predict potential threats in your environment. Our brain often considers competitions and performances as threats and tries to point out all of the things that could go awry. However, focusing on those thoughts isn’t particularly helpful.
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For decades, athletes have been told there’s one way to show up on race day: fearless. Calm mind. Controlled emotions. Zero nerves at the starting line.
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But here’s what 50 years of neuroscience research actually says: That’s complete BS. 🙃
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Your pre-race anxiety? It’s not your brain sabotaging you.
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It’s your brain running simulations. Processing your recent training quality. The competition level. How your body feels. Whether your technique is dialed in.
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That nervous energy? It’s information.
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​Here’s what you can start doing TODAY:
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​1️⃣Name what you’re afraid of with surgical precision.
“I’m nervous” tells you nothing. “I’m afraid my form will break down in the final third of the race, just like it did last time” gives you something to address.
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​2️⃣Ask what the fear is telling you—and whether it’s telling the truth.
Is this fear highlighting a legitimate gap in your preparation? Or is it catastrophizing from one bad experience?
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​3️⃣Distinguish helpful fear from unhelpful fear.
Helpful fear makes you more prepared, more alert, more strategic. Unhelpful fear makes you avoidant, paralyzed, or reactive. Develop discernment. Not all fear deserves the same response.
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Want to dive into more of what research tells us about fear and performance. Check out the full blog post!

🎙️ This week on the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast…

In this episode, Israa Nasir reveals how the “good‑enough” principle can free high‑performing women from the hidden costs of toxic productivity, turning guilt into strategic rest and clearer boundaries. Discover the simple audit that lets you spot low‑impact work and reclaim mental bandwidth.​
​🎧Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Here’s My Challenge for You This Week:
​Next time you feel pre-race or pre-training anxiety creeping in, don’t push it away. Pause.
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Get specific about what you’re actually afraid of. And ask yourself: “Is this fear trying to protect me, prepare me, or just drain my energy?”
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​Then hit reply and let me know what you discover. 💬 The goal isn’t to eliminate your fear. The goal is to learn its language. 🧠
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Til next time,
Dr. A

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