When people hear the word “Warmup” they always think of the body. Warming up doesn’t just include the body, it also includes the mind. When warming up the body, we generally wait until we are within 30 or 40 minutes of the wod/race/physical challenge. If we begin warming up too early we will either tire out or cool down again before the event happens. I believe that our mental game requires the same warmup. If you start thinking about the challenge too early you will tire out mentally. If you fail to warm up mentally you may be unprepared for the task ahead. I recommend getting your mental game/attitude/excitement together about 30 minutes before the challenge. Plan your game. Visualize your success as vividly as possible. Decide how you will break up reps and when you want to rest. How long will your rests be? What is your goal? Why are you doing this? Have realistic yet challenging goals. Create the game plan in your head and try to stick to it. When you finish the workout/race/challenge according to your plan be proud of yourself! Some people may have very active minds and will have difficulty saving their mental warmup until 30 minutes prior. In the case of a WOD, I recommend not looking at it. Just sign up and show up. When you walk in the gym you can look at the board and start strategizing and psyching yourself up. For competitions and races etc. enjoy the company of your friends, listen to music, grab a foam roller and roll out. Whatever you have to do to relax until it is time to warm up both mentally and physically. Just remember, warming up isn’t just for muscles!