SUMMARY Maintenance of a positive mind-set during a race directly enhances the type and efficiency of physiological reactions to a performance. Not racing with a positive orientation disposes performing at an inferior level. Preparing all or the major portion of strategies produces heightened performances. The prediction of problems reduces performance because of the self-fulfilling prophecy phenomenon. However, the development of coping skills for potential problems will reduce the effect of preparatory and in-race problems should they occur. One fifth of training time should be devoted to practicing coping responses. A segmented preparation and race will produce better performances than when all activities are oriented toward some set of final goals. Segmenting a strategy makes it more controllable and increases performance application and consistency. These factors need to be considered when pre-race and race strategies are developed.