CLAIRE BARTHOLIC: Pre-Race Mental Prep Hacks & Embracing “Type B” Running

If you have ever found yourself overcome with pre-race nerves, to the point where you toe the line full of doubt or dread, this episode is for YOU. OR if you find yourself being so fixated on numbers that running is no longer fun—this episode is ALSO for you.

Claire Bartholic, running coach and host of the Planted Runner Podcast, shares how runners can transform anxiety into race day activation.

We also talk about how to make the shift to a more relaxed method of training aka Type B Running without it hurting your self-identity.

Specifically, we talk about:

🌀 Techniques to enhance your self-talk and conquer pre-race nerves

🌀 How to gracefully shift from intense marathon training to a more "Type B" approach to training

🌀 Tips on maintaining your self-identity while embracing a happier, more fulfilling running journey

RESOURCES:

· The Planted Runner

· Planted Runner Podcast

· Instagram: @theplantedrunner

TIME STAMPS:

2:03 — Claire explains that what many runners call nerves is really activation, which reframes race day anxiety in a more useful way for marathon mental prep.

3:02 — She expands on the idea of pre-race activation and explains how naming the feeling differently can improve running mindset and race day confidence.

5:46 — Claire shares a simple self-talk phrase, “I choose to feel excited,” that runners can practice as part of positive self-talk and mental strength training.

7:21 — She breaks down self doubt as a story runners tell themselves and shows how confidence before a race can be built through repetition and mental toughness.

9:16 — Claire talks about building running confidence with small steps, tracking progress, and using a training log to reinforce marathon training tips that actually work.

12:09 — She explains how bad races and setbacks can become learning tools, helping runners recover from disappointment and strengthen their race failure mindset.

14:48 — Claire says the biggest marathon skill is uncertainty tolerance, which is a powerful lesson for race day mental prep and long distance running.

15:56 — She recommends guided visualization, including imagining everything that could go wrong, as a way to reduce running anxiety and prepare mentally for race day.

18:27 — Claire shares why deep breathing is an underrated tool for runners, especially for calming the nervous system before a marathon or hard workout.

19:50 — She introduces non-time goals as a way to define success beyond pace, giving runners a smarter race day strategy and stronger marathon goals.

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