How Carmelita Jeter Finds the Zone

Sprinter Carmelita Jeter, 2010 USA Indoor Champion, talks about her pre-race mindset and recollects her most memorable race, setting the second-fastest time among women in the 100-meter event.

All athletes have their own way of getting into their zone on game day. Whether it is a special routine, a certain pair of socks, or listening to a specific song, all athletes find their zone one way or another. On the morning of a race, before heading to the track, Jeter gets into her zone by laying out her clothes before sitting in the dark at the foot of her bed listening to music. Her music choice depends on her mood. Some mornings she finds herself bobbing her head to high-energy pump-up music, and other mornings are reserved for calmer, softer music. Jeter recounts a race when she felt completely in the zone. She remembers the gun going off, and total silence until she crossed the finish line with a time of 10.64 on the 100-meter. For more information on finding your zone, check out: STACK's Sport Psych