The Running Channel Podcast 21: Why Lucky Socks Actually DO Make You Faster According To Science
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Jun 10, 2023 A playful dive into running superstitions and whether lucky socks can really boost speed, backed by science. Conversations on pre-race rituals, routines that calm nerves, and when habits become risky. Listeners share quirky sock rules and other race-day rituals. Brief news on elite results and practical tips on recovery footwear and long-run planning.
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Rituals Boost Confidence And Performance
- Superstitions act as rituals that boost self-efficacy and reduce pre-race nervous tension.
- Andy Baddeley cites research saying this illusion of control raises goals and persistence, helping performance through greater confidence.
Use Small Controllable Rituals To Calm Nerves
- Use controllable rituals (like pinning your number or specific warm-up jumps) to focus and avoid pre-race overthinking.
- Andy describes meticulously pinning his race number and doing set jumps to occupy his mind before races.
Dependence On Uncontrollable Rituals Is Risky
- Superstitions can help only if they stay within your control; reliance on things that can be removed (like an unavailable toilet) risks disaster.
- Andy warns that dependency on uncontrollable rituals can shatter pre-race mindset if disrupted.