Facing Pre-Race Nerves for the Marine Corps Marathon
Six days. That’s all that stands between me and the start line of the Marine Corps Marathon. Six days until the cannon fires and I take on 26.2 miles of grit, honor, and determination. And right now? My stomach feels like it’s doing hill repeats.
The nerves are real. The questions creep in: Did I train enough? What if I hit the wall? What if something goes wrong?
Here’s what I’ve learned—those nerves aren’t the enemy. They’re proof that this matters.
What I’m Doing This Week to Stay Calm
- Visualizing the Victory
Every night, I close my eyes and picture myself running strong down that final stretch, the crowd cheering, the medal waiting. That image is my anchor. - Trusting the Work
The hay is in the barn. No more big runs, no last-minute heroics. I remind myself:You’ve done the work. You belong here. - Breathing Through the Doubt
When my heart races, I practice box breathing—inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four. It’s my reset button.
My Race Week Mantra
“Decide. Commit. Execute.”
Decide why you’re here. Commit to the process. Execute with everything you’ve got. Every time nerves creep in, I repeat this mantra. It reminds me that this race isn’t just about running—it’s about following through on a promise I made to myself.
The Johnsons 