Taxing Returns Taxing Returns From the April '99 Port City Pacers PaceLeter 5. Subtract line 4 from line 3. That's right, it's April. Tax time in these United States, and that can be stressful. After any long layoff, be it for injury, pregnancy, or the self-imposed exile from racing that winter brings, returning to racing can be as difficult for the mind as it is for the body.
Fear is a big factor.
If you haven't raced in a while, competition becomes a big unknown all over again. Race anxiety can have very real physical consequences. It can elevate your heart rate, and it can cause your muscles to tighten, robbing you of precious stride length. I've competed in three Olympic Trials and have raced all over the world, but even now I'm hardly immune from race anxiety. When my mind starts churning I can feel as much apprehension before an important race as I did when I was just starting out.