Thankfully, I already went through my panic stage for the Clearwater Halfathon. My panicking usually happens closer to a race, so this is kind of strange for me. The race is Sunday, and I have an eerie calm about me.
So why am I so calm?
- I know I can do this. I can run 13.1 miles. Even if I didn’t run for a few weeks around Christmas and the new year, I’m still quite capable. Why? Runners don't lose much V02 max over a 10-day period of inactivity. And if you have to miss two weeks, it only reduces it by 6%. Thanks to Julie, I know this and feel so much better. I love her (not in a weird way … don’t be scared, Julie).
- I’ve done this five times before.
- It does involve big, scary bridges, but the Holiday Halfathon did, too (but not as big and not as scary). Guess what? I actually liked the bridges in that race. It broke up the race. It was something different. It was a challenge. That’s a good thing.
- I'm running mile 11 for my friend, Linda. I've dubbed it "Mile Linda" (sounds better than mile 11, right?). She's been on bed rest during a good deal of her pregnancy. No matter what, that is difficult; but, Linda is a runner, too. So I'm running the 11th mile (her favorite number) in her honor.
- I’m really looking forward to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in St. Pete and view that as my “A” race this year. I love that race. This race will be a build up to that.
- When it comes down to it, it’s only a race. It’s not life or death. I’d love to finally beat my best time, but if I don’t, there’s always another race. It’s not that I’m not taking it seriously or that I don’t want to do well, but on the “what’s-important-in-life” scale, it’s not at the top.
I was really nervous before my first half-marathon but now I'm super calm before a race. Probably because I don't put any pressure on myself time-wise and just run for fun... Enjoy the race, you can totally do this!!!
ReplyDeleteGood advice to run for fun! It definitely should be fun. Why do it otherwise?
DeleteLOL. I think I'd panic a little. I practically peed my pants for my little zombie run. I am doing Dirty Girl next month. Squee!
ReplyDeleteHey Jina, I just came to your blog from the Tampa Bay Bloggers Facebook group. I had no idea there was a half happening this weekend in Clearwater but it sounds like it should be fun! Its so nice of you to dedicate a mile of your race to a friend who cant run at the moment. When I am running and want to give up I always think of those who wish they could run but cant for one reason or another. I haven't ran an organized race since my cross country days in high school, but I look forward to the Gasparilla 5k in February. Good luck on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I like to think of those who can't run when I'm struggling, too. It definitely makes me appreciate running more. I'm thinking about a Gasparilla race, but I haven't decided yet.
DeleteDon't panic! You'll do great at the Clearwater race! Just take those bridges steady and let gravity take you down at the other end! ;)
ReplyDeleteYou rock. :) that is all.
ReplyDeleteI was a wreck before Steamtown so I get it! You will be fine and you're going to do AMAZING!! Good luck & have fun!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm always worried about sleeping in and being late (or not even MAKING) a race! I feel ya!
ReplyDeleteI am late to the comment party but I hope the race went well! I have zero doubt that the race was anything less an amazing! Can't wait to read your recap! Thanks for the mention! I do tend to panic in the days leading up to the race, I think its pretty common. You ability to take a breath and just go probably served you so well today. Can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will do fantastic on this race! Good luck! Can't wait to read the recap :)
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