Didn't get this one filmed, so hopefully you don't mind reading one more short story.  

I often tell a couple particular stories from my own high school career to illustrate the huge importance of staying relaxed.

1600 PR: The week before league my junior year, everything had built to that being the meet I thought I could break the school record in the 3200.  So, I told everyone I would just take it easy in the 1600 and run to win.  I didn't care what my time was.  So, I sat behind the lead runner and out kicked him the last 100 meters.  Well, it turns out that lead runner was freshman Tim Bishop from Smoky Valley who as a senior would go on to run 1:53.96 in the 800.  I ran a 4:33 that day and never ran faster in my high school career.  Why? Because I had 100% shifted my mind to the idea that effort didn't matter.  I just ran and let the race play out.

State CC: After winning the 3200 at state my junior year expectations were high for my senior year of cross country.  I would get back from a race and my friends would joke that they didn't even need to ask how I did because of course I had won.  I enjoyed having that level of success, but, looking back, it put a lot of pressure on me that was negatively affecting my races. My times weren't where I wanted them. Guys I had beat easily in the past were right on my heels. I felt like I just couldn't breathe right during races.  At the regional meet I got destroyed by 45 seconds by Jerry Rainey of Caney Valley. Turns out that was the best thing that could have happened.  I wasn't the favorite to win anymore.  He was.  I could just run.  At the starting line at state, instead of my usual predator's focus, I took a deep breath and looked around smiling, just enjoying the event.  I beat Jerry by about 20 seconds to win.  It was basically a minute turnaround in one week and I really believe it was mostly mental.