Countdown To Dopey Day 14: You're Ready (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)
n Day 14 of the Dopey Countdown, Coach Jill Bartholomew reminds athletes that the work is already done. After months of training, your job now is to manage energy, protect your body, calm your mind, and make smart decisions so you arrive at the start line rested, healthy, and confident. This episode tackles the anxiety many runners feel at this point — especially first-time Dopey athletes or those returning after a tough experience. Jill explains why nervousness is normal (and even healthy), why taper starts now, and why this two-week window is actually when athletes are most vulnerable to injury if they try to do too much. Key takeaways include: Why you can’t gain meaningful fitness in the final two weeks — and why that’s okay How recovery now offsets any small fitness loss Why taper feels uncomfortable mentally and physically Letting go of perfection and trusting the process that got you here Whether you followed a runDisney plan, worked with a coach, or trained on your own, this episode is a grounding reminder that one missed workout, one bad long run, or one imperfect training cycle does not define your race. You are ready — even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. 🎧 Tune in daily for short, focused episodes designed to guide Dopey runners calmly and confidently to the start line.
Takeaways
You are ready, even if you don't feel like it.
Your main jobs are to recover and stay healthy.
Tapering is essential but can be mentally challenging.
Nervousness before a race is normal and healthy.
Trust the training process you've followed.
Self-doubt is common as race day approaches.
Perfection in training is unattainable; focus on progress.
One bad run won't define your overall training.
It's about time on feet, not just distance.
Maintaining fitness is key in the final weeks.
If you are training for a Triathlon or Run event of any distance from your first 10k to your first full IRONMAN and beyond, connect with Jill to talk about how to take your performance to the next level! Jill is the Head Coach and owner of Be Fierce Multisport is a full time, professional coach and works with athletes of all skill levels.
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