7-Day Race Isolation Protocol

Ken Rideout, an accomplished runner, details his strict pre-race preparation protocol that focuses on mental and physical isolation to achieve peak performance.

Pre-Race Training

• Dedicates 90-120 minutes daily for 10-12 weeks before race
• Treats each race like "personal Olympics" regardless of professional status
• Focuses all physical energy on preparation

Race Location Protocol

• Arrives 7 days before race for time zone adjustment
• Specifically important for places like Tokyo (14-15 hour difference)
• Avoids social commitments and dinner plans
• Maintains complete isolation to stay focused
• Treats race as a "work trip" not a social event

Mental Preparation

• Believes strongly in mindset over reality
• Focuses on self-perception rather than others' opinions
• Maintains positive self-talk and visualization
• Treats himself as a professional athlete mentally
• Avoids social interaction on race day
• Maintains "tunnel vision" during the race
  • Doesn't waste energy on unnecessary movements
  • Focuses only on the road ahead
  • Doesn't look at watch or surroundings
  • Runs the straightest possible line

Race Day Attitude

• Becomes intentionally antisocial
• Avoids making friends or chitchat
• Maintains complete focus on performance
• Protects personal space aggressively
• Blocks out all distractions
• Treats every movement as energy that must be conserved

Physical Execution

• Focuses on running the straightest possible line
• Maintains awareness of surrounding runners
• Protects personal space to avoid accidents
• Conserves energy by minimizing unnecessary movements
• Maintains complete focus on forward progress

This protocol emphasizes complete dedication to performance through isolation, mental preparation, and energy conservation.