b'Running the RaceBy Betsy Nunnhowfastdouwannab@gmail.com, facebook.com/Willnunnp3, youtube.com/user/howfastdouwannabIYou should be picturing how you want things to play had a gal ask me the other day, What are the threeout. Do not ever dwell on that last run. Go home most common mistakesafter a wreck of a run and positively put it back made in barrel racing? Thetogether the next week. way I look at things, what can be a mistake for one person may be the way another person has figuredWhen they call your name the next time, you will out how to win. You cant put a horse in a box as tohave warmed up with a piece of paper in your pocket how it must be ridden in the pattern. I may irritatewith 3 key things written down on it something like a few folks by saying that you shouldnt do this orthis: Find your spot - Sit down - Say whoa. that. I mean, who do I think I am? Some people are very successful doing things opposite of what I do.You have pulled it out multiple times during your I am just another person with another opinion. Atwarm-up, read it to yourself, and pictured what you first, I thought, I dont want to talk about the thingswant to accomplish in that particular run. You see someone shouldnt do. I want to talk about the thingsthe setup. You see your horse. You see your hands an individual should do. This led me to anotherand legs. You envision that perfect winning run. thought process. Now, I know this isnt rocket science. Everyone that is in any type of sport knows this concept, right?in their mind. They see the buckle in their hand. The week before or the day before or even the secondWell, you would think so but when you stand outNow, God willing, it will come together this day.before you walk in the arena, what are you thinkingback and listen to the conversations before a barrel and meditating upon? Are you thinking about thatrace, thats not always what you see or hear. YouThe Bible says that the power of life and death is in last run you made when you hit that barrel? Havemay have someone walk up and tell you all aboutthe tongue. We have all known the folks that seemed you talked to 18 of your friends with 18 differentthe ground and they havent even run yet. Its soto have it all going for them. They had talent. They viewpoints on why you hit that barrel? Are youdeep, its too this or its too that. All the while, youhad the horses. They had the rigs. They had backing. walking into the arena thinking leave them up.are up in the next drag. Its not that they are tryingThey would make one good run and whip your butt Now even though thats a positive way to say dontto psych you out but it takes your mind off of yourand then the next go, they couldnt keep it together. hit a barrel, its still creating a negative in your mind.game. Remember its YOUR game you may thriveWhat happened? Sometimes things just happen. I understand that but sometimes its the negative Dont roll into the barrel race comparing your horse, yourtalk from people they are around or from their own mouths that sets people up to fail. Shoot, sometimes rig, or your abilities. You are there to enjoy yourself, toit comes from their own family. You can hardly get away from it. better yourself and your horse on that given day. Walk byI once heard someone say that you are only as good as your last run. I disagree. We are ever-changing in faith not by sight. Put things in perspective and dwell onlife whether its our sport we are working on or not. If I had to pick the biggest mistake in barrel racing the things that you want to happen not on the past and yourit wouldnt be pulling on the outside rein coming to the turn as some very accomplished jockeys win mistakes. Today is a new day. Take advantage of it. a ton that do that. Its not turning and looking as opposed to keeping your eyes focused on your next step around a barrel. Its not even blowing out of the in a situation that someone else may fail doing.third barrel as we have all seen horses win doing Your horse may love that type of dirt etc. that as well. What I see hurt the most is the negative self-talk. Its the people that will talk themselves Walk up in the middle of the winners and theout of the win even before they have even set foot conversation, if any, is usually different. They getin the arena. I see this in everyday life as well. it. They may be sitting there quietly with theirDont always look at your situation as a detriment. mind in the middle, they may be talking aboutFind something about it that is good. Counter that something funny or they may appear to have icenegative with a positive. water in their veins. You will see them sitting still or moving their horse around, they mayMy dad said a long time ago that some folks could have their game face on, be breathing deeply,have a loaf of bread under each arm and would still have their eyes closed, or be praying Lordbe whining. My folks told me, Dont ever say you keep me and my horse safe. Thank you for yourcant! Cant died in the poor house, Betsy. With angels, Lord. Their name is called, and nowrunning barrels or in life look at the glass half full. their reins are gathered but loose as they takeDont roll into the barrel race comparing your horse, a deep breath, let it out slowly, and walk inyour rig, or your abilities. You are there to enjoy the gate. Looking at the spot on the ground,yourself, to better yourself and your horse on that reins gathered a little firmer, they release thegiven day. Walk by faith not by sight. Put things in brake and head to the first. Everything isperspective and dwell on the things that you want to muscle memory from here. Its what they havehappen not on the past and your mistakes. Today is practiced for years; they have seen this arenaa new day. Take advantage of it. ArizonaRealCountry.com June 2020 15'