I have a confession to make….
I do not enjoy the final week leading up to a race!
My mind and body play terrible tricks on me and I find I spend the week working to keep my anxiety level in check.
I’m happy to say I had a good solid long run on Saturday. I got to run the first 3 miles with my friend E who will be joining me at ZOOMA then we split up at her turnaround and I headed off to get 7 more. My legs felt pretty good and I didn’t even mind getting caught in a crazy flash downpour that lasted about a half hour. It was a good way to end what had been a pretty good week of training. From there I was off to enjoy a fun weekend with J, the boys and friends.
All should be good right?
Wrong….all the sudden I’m discovering all kinds of mystery tweaks and aches, my mind is in hyper-drive (which is messing with my sleep) and I’m definitely a little edgy this morning. I’ve already had dreams that I missed the start of the race or, worse that my left leg refuses to let me run at all.
Crazy I know….irrational I know….welcome to my world leading up to a race š
You’d think with this being half marathon #5 that I’d have all of this under control, but I find it’s getting worse with each race, not better. Maybe because my expectations are higher…I’m passed the point of just wanting to finish with a smile on my face. (And, this isn’t even my “A race” for the fall, so can you imagine what I will be like in November?!)
So first of all, please tell me I’m not alone in my craziness? And, how do you keep yourself both relaxed and focused during race week?
You’re probably still anxious because of the higher expectations and desire to reach a goal, rather than just finish. I just remember all the hard work that I’ve put in and try to pretend race day is like any other run – no pressure, just do what I know I can do.
I think everyone goes through this, we always want to do better than the last race, the disappointment I think comes from possibly doing worse than better. Plus, the early morning wake up for a race, the crowds, worrying about parking, bathroom issues – there is a lot to consider! I spent last week leading up to this past weekend’s half marathon taking extra vitamin C each night because my daughter had a cold and I was worried I’d catch it right before the race, ha ha. But – after the start, our legs and body takes over our mind š
Michelle, don’t you just love tapper madness :-). But it works and you will be ready for your race this weekend. You will do great!
Expectations JACK. ME. UP. The best thing for me is to stay insanely busy so I don’t have time to let my mind play tricks on me. But oh, how I feel your pain!
(YOU WILL BE GREAT!!!)
Yeah, that’s pretty much the way it goes for me too, when it’s one that is important to me. Try to focus on your training and knowing that you are ready to help you calm the nerves. You’ve got this!!
I am sure your not the only one that is going through they gitters…remain calm and remember, you prepared for it…do kick some ass!
You are not alone! I totally understand and I also feel the more I race the more nervous I get š Hang in there, race day is almosy there!!
It’s funny how much “stage” fright we can get before a race š You’re going to do awesome! Looking forward to seeing you on the Cape!!
I hate the dreams about missing the start of the race. I find myself triple and quadruple checking the start time of a race and rechecking my plans. Crazy people we are!
Good luck – you’ll do great!
I seem to do the same thing when I start worrying – think everything hurts or is broken! I hope it all goes well, hang in there! š
Woot for Zooma Cape Cod! trust that all those niggles will be long gone on race day–in my experience they usually are. So excited for you. have a blast!