Yesterday was March 12th. Do you know what happens on April 12th? My first half marathon. YUP. My. First. Half.
I’m getting nervous, you guys, and I need a pep talk. I’m not where I want to be physically, and I’m beginning to wonder if I will ever feel ‘ready’ for a race. I’ve got a few weeks of training left, and I intend to make the most of them, but yeah, the jitters are setting in.
Part of my nervous tummy twitching is definitely excitement over seeing Cam and Mer again, and meeting Vic in person for the first time. The three of us last saw each other in 2012, which is WAY TOO LONG AGO. And I love Vic already, so there’s THAT.
We miss you, Bec!
But I’m also a tad worried that race day will be like when you go skiing with all your awesome friends who are really good at skiing and they have to spend their day helping you down the bunny hill. Yeah, kind of embarrassing.
I’m staying positive, though, focusing on areas where I excel. For example, since I live at 5k feet elevation, running at sea level will be a snap, right? Won’t my oxygenated muscles feel faster than ever before, and my lungs be as strong as steel? I should be able to breathe in so much oxygen that my asthma will be a forgotten memory. Say yes. PLEASE SAY YES.
I *might* be relying too much on my perceived altitude advantage. I also * might* be over-thinking and over-worrying this entire thing.
Usually, I’m calm and cool before a race. Chill, yo. Since I’m not in it to be fast I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just happy to be out there trying. There’s something different about this, though, and I’m pretty sure the difference is the distance. Plus, every time I try to run for longer than 4 miles, my knee pretty much tells me to eff off.
So these next few weeks will see me doing as much running as I can without making the knees hurty, and, since I have one and it’s convenient, a lot of elliptical work. Then strength training. There will be endless strength training. Luckily, I was smart this semester and fulfilled one remaining elective requirement with “Jogging and Walking”. Yes, folks, that right, I’m getting college credit for my training. Thanks to that, I’m getting in more days that look like this
How do you cope when the race jitters have got you? How do you keep from puking weeks in advance?
Jenn – You will be fine!!! Your altitude living will make it feel better, and check out KT Tape for your knees during runs, and pick up a foam roller if you don’t already have one. It will make a huge difference whether it’s quads/hammys being tight or IT band issues!
Thanks Cyanne! I got my first roller for Christmas and oh my goodness it is such a difference maker! And yes, I do need to try the KT tape and learn how to tape my knee. I hate the big bulky brace I’ve been wearing. Thanks for your encouragement, that is exactly what I needed to hear!
You will be AMAZING! And I have a foam roller here for after the race if necessary!
Plus, we’ll be going to the Pop Shop. And that place makes everything better. 🙂
With you guys there it will be awesome no matter what! And the Pop Shop. I gotta see this place!
I understand just how you feel with the pre-race jitters. I have my first half in two week. Last night I found myself panicking about my race. But I know that you can do it!
Thank you! You are going to be fantastic at your race too! Deep breath, we can do this!
You will do amazing in your first half next month! I ran my first half in Disney in January this year, and I can attest that training/running in Colorado made running at sea level feel SO good! The difference is crazy, but in a very good way for you. 😉
Stick with it and enjoy running with friends over that finish line – it makes the experience THAT much better!
Oh, Amanda, you’re saying all the words I want to hear! And I can’t even tell you how stoked I to be running with friends! Lately I’m always racing alone. Clearly not as fun at all. Thanks for the encouragement!
I always get pre-race jitters! You are going to do a great job and it’s awesome that you will have friends at the race to support you and guide you through the experience!
Karen @karenlovestorun