The TriDot Triathlon Podcast

4 Race Morning Must Do's with Olympian Carrie Tollefson

Jul 21, 2025
Carrie Tollefson, a National Champion Middle-Distance Runner and Olympian, shares her invaluable race morning tips. She emphasizes the need for meticulous planning, along with the power of visualization to boost performance. Carrie recounts humorous footwear mishaps and nostalgic race experiences, highlighting the emotional aspects of competitive running. She also reflects on her unexpected fame and the challenges of balancing family life with athletic aspirations, offering insight into the life of a professional athlete.
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ANECDOTE

Shoe Loss During Big Races

  • Carrie Tollefson lost her shoe twice in races due to others stepping on it, ruining her race plans.
  • These mishaps happened during pivotal moments, including at the Helsinki 1500m and a 5k in Los Angeles.
INSIGHT

Reality of Pro Racing

  • Carrie often remembered her toughest races more than her wins, focusing on what went wrong to improve.
  • Even elite athletes struggle to perform at 100% every race, with 80% being the norm.
ANECDOTE

Broadcasting Memorable Race Moments

  • Carrie got emotional while broadcasting Shalane Flanagan's historic New York City Marathon win.
  • Announcing world records also excites her but requires maintaining professionalism despite strong emotions.
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