Scared to Death
When I had my Lapband surgery in May of 2009, I vowed to myself and God that if I had this surgery I was going to make a life style change and I was going to be a healthy wife and mother. I ran my 1st 5k only two weeks after surgery and I've been running ever since. All summer long, I've been training for my very 1st 1/2 marathon and I think I've trained enough but now out of the blue, I am scared to death. I've ran over a dz 5k's and several 10k's and for some reason now I'm doubting myself, worried that I won't be able to cross the finish line in time. During my training I've made goal (we have 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish the race) and have finished with race at about 2 1/2 hours but that's when I'm running by myself. I"m not sure how to calm myself down. I know I can do this....but man am I scared to death!
Don't talk yourself into doing anything different. Don't freak out on race day.
Take off at a comfortable pace and stick to it. If you find someone who is running the same speed your are, stick to them. I try to not think about it if I can help it. When I start doing the math in my head is when I'm likely to do something that I'm not trained or ready to do.
Some times I count cadence or just have a saying that I run over and over through my head to keep my pace. If you are worried about people being in your way or causing difficulties, then start at the rear or the side where you can let them thin out and give yourself room to run.
If you have done it before you can do it now. Besides this is like the celebration part not the work. You did all the work leading up to this. This is the part where you get to celebrate and enjoy all that work you did.
Go out and have fun, keep a smile on your face, don't forget to hydrate and remember to thank the volunteers.
Looking forward to reading your race report.
Scott
Take off at a comfortable pace and stick to it. If you find someone who is running the same speed your are, stick to them. I try to not think about it if I can help it. When I start doing the math in my head is when I'm likely to do something that I'm not trained or ready to do.
Some times I count cadence or just have a saying that I run over and over through my head to keep my pace. If you are worried about people being in your way or causing difficulties, then start at the rear or the side where you can let them thin out and give yourself room to run.
If you have done it before you can do it now. Besides this is like the celebration part not the work. You did all the work leading up to this. This is the part where you get to celebrate and enjoy all that work you did.
Go out and have fun, keep a smile on your face, don't forget to hydrate and remember to thank the volunteers.
Looking forward to reading your race report.
Scott
The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!
I know EXACTLY how you feel. I was petrified on the day of my first Half. I hadn't run that distance before - just 10 miles and that was 2 months previous.
You sound like you are in GREAT shape. You've so GOT THIS!!!!!
Relax and enjoy the rush as best you can.
You sound like you are in GREAT shape. You've so GOT THIS!!!!!
Relax and enjoy the rush as best you can.
Read my blog, BARIATHLETE I run because I can.
First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
First 5K race October 4, 2009 (34.59) PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010 (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21) PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20
Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
First off, congratulations on all of your accomplishments, that is terrific!
Like they say, your work is already done. Race day IS a celebration and the day you get rewarded for all of your sacrifices.
Race day is special and unique in the experience, but as for doing the half-marathon, that part shouldn't be anything new or different than training. You know you can do the distance and you certainly know you can make the time, now just go out and do it.
Some key tips I learned from similar experiences that might help with the nerves--
1. Have a checklist. Write out every detail you need to do for from the day before race day to the time the gun goes off. Include every minute detail including standing in line for the porta-potty. That way the checklist dictates what you need to do, not your brain.
2. If you find yourself getting nervous, enlist your method of calming yourself. I like to listen to music. So I put in my headphones and get my mind off of my nervousness.
3. Avoid nervous or amped up people. It is your day. If you are around people with nervous energy and it is affecting you, get away from them.
4. Visualize and mentally rehearse your day, the start, the run, the aid stations, the crowd, the cheering, you making your pace, finishing, etc.
5. During the event, don't dilly-dally at the aid stations. A lot of time can be wasted and lost by walking or stopping at aid stations. Minimize the time necessary to get in your aid. Some people can't drink and run at the same time, so walk or slow down to get in your liquids and then get back to running. The time savings is huge.
6. If you have a problem, like pain or you are tired, find a way to work through that pain. Focus on smaller goals along the way instead of just the finish line. "I am going to run to that lightpole; or the end of this street; or to that manhole cover" then the next, then the next etc. Break it down into manageable bits.
Have fun! You will do awesome! And congratulations.
Like they say, your work is already done. Race day IS a celebration and the day you get rewarded for all of your sacrifices.
Race day is special and unique in the experience, but as for doing the half-marathon, that part shouldn't be anything new or different than training. You know you can do the distance and you certainly know you can make the time, now just go out and do it.
Some key tips I learned from similar experiences that might help with the nerves--
1. Have a checklist. Write out every detail you need to do for from the day before race day to the time the gun goes off. Include every minute detail including standing in line for the porta-potty. That way the checklist dictates what you need to do, not your brain.
2. If you find yourself getting nervous, enlist your method of calming yourself. I like to listen to music. So I put in my headphones and get my mind off of my nervousness.
3. Avoid nervous or amped up people. It is your day. If you are around people with nervous energy and it is affecting you, get away from them.
4. Visualize and mentally rehearse your day, the start, the run, the aid stations, the crowd, the cheering, you making your pace, finishing, etc.
5. During the event, don't dilly-dally at the aid stations. A lot of time can be wasted and lost by walking or stopping at aid stations. Minimize the time necessary to get in your aid. Some people can't drink and run at the same time, so walk or slow down to get in your liquids and then get back to running. The time savings is huge.
6. If you have a problem, like pain or you are tired, find a way to work through that pain. Focus on smaller goals along the way instead of just the finish line. "I am going to run to that lightpole; or the end of this street; or to that manhole cover" then the next, then the next etc. Break it down into manageable bits.
Have fun! You will do awesome! And congratulations.
Starting--319 Current--200 Goal--190
Rebirthday--8/29/2008
Marathon Finisher--10/04/2009
Ironman 70.3 Finisher--3/27/2010
Ironman Finisher--6/27/2010
Rebirthday--8/29/2008
Marathon Finisher--10/04/2009
Ironman 70.3 Finisher--3/27/2010
Ironman Finisher--6/27/2010
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