Can you believe we are at race week?! We made it! Let’s make the most of this week before the starting line. Here’s our chance to slow down, reflect on our journey, and celebrate all the effort that brought us here. After weeks of showing up for runs, pushing through hard workouts, and staying committed to our training, it can be easy to forget just how far we’ve come and get caught up in race-day nerves. But taking time to reflect and celebrate is one of the most powerful ways to step into race day feeling confident and proud.
Training for a race is about so much more than the finish line. You’ve carved out time in your busy life, prioritized your health, built resilience, and probably surprised yourself with what your body (and mind) can do. Acknowledging that progress—not just your race result—is what creates lasting motivation and joy in running. When we pause to celebrate our efforts, we shift from focusing on performance to embracing progress.
So how can you reflect and celebrate in a meaningful way? One simple way is to journal about your training journey. Write down some of the moments you’re most proud of: hitting a goal pace, staying consistent during a tough week, or simply showing up on days you didn’t feel like it. Look back at your running log or photos from training runs and take stock of your growth. Seeing how far you’ve come can boost your confidence, especially if you are feeling nervous for your race.
And be sure to treat yourself during race week! It’s a great time for a relaxing massage, a post-run coffee date, or the fun of creating a playlist that reflects your training journey. Some runners like to lay out their race gear a few days early and snap a “flat runner” photo to mark the moment. These are just simple ways to honor the effort you’ve put in. For additional ways to celebrate your progress, check out this article from Run for Good.
Finally, remind yourself that race day is the victory lap. The race will be challenging, but it’s a celebration of everything you’ve done to get there. Let yourself feel proud and excited, no matter what your goal is. Your training cycle has already made you stronger, and race week is your time to reflect on that strength, carry it with you to the start line, and enjoy the experience. You’ve earned this!