Warm-up or Relax?

I just started reading Running Within - A guide to mastering the body-mind-spirit connection for ultimate training and racing.
Chapter Two is titled - Relaxing to Excel.
I can't ever remember relaxing before a race. Warm-up routines and relax? Is this possible?
At the start line I pick up vibes of excitement from other runners; (the not relaxing ones) this only accentuates my own nervous energy. RELAX...I dont think so.
Guess I will have to finish the chapter today to find out if this technique works.
Race time 7 PM.

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