The run fell by the wayside today unfortunately, I was really looking forward to getting out. Which makes me start to get a wee bit nervous as I know I have the half marathon in a months time. I really actually enjoy running half marathons, but as I know that this particular event is a small and lesser known event in a smaller town than usual, my fear is that you really do stand out when there aren’t as many runners! Yes, I know, this is really a vain thought, worrying about people thinking I’m a “slowpoke”, but its a silly little worry that I have always had.
In the marathon later this year I certainly won’t be going for any speed records, and really my motto will be to finish on the same day as I started. I don’t care if I am the last one across that line as long as I am there. They could close the course on me (I think there is around 8 hours to run it before they close the course), but I would literally crawl to the finish line. But I have a good handful of half marathons under my belt now and think I should be a more consistent runner, not just starting and stopping every few months. That said, I am still looking forward to the run.
I also need to keep in mind that my main goal is to run the marathon in September and that the half in a months time is only a training run (and actually run before I start an actual training program for the marathon) and that having breaks in between my runs is still quite a good thing for my body as I am building my mileage up.
So, I am still on the lookout for good marathon training books and plans, and I am so excited to have this challenge ahead of me. I am still getting flutters of excitement and nervousness when I think about the marathon! Shoot, I’ve got quite a long way to go yet.
I would appreciate any comments, advice and suggestions you may have, and I hope to make this an interesting journey that will no doubt also be filled with food, wine, hilarity, sarcasm good days and bad days, a tantrum or two, and I really hope maybe some encouragement.
Yours,
Running Girl
Hey Running Girl,
But I have not run as much as I would have hoped to of in the past few weeks.
We all have days like that. Lately I think my nerves are getting the better of me..along with sleepless mights due to a 2 year old
My husband tells me to just get out the door – any running is conditioning the body. Or if you can’t get out the door, what else can you do that will help your training? Sometimes I stretch or just meditate (actually its more like sleep) because sometimes the body just knows what it wants and needs.
And then when it really all goes to custard then I just say “I’m tapering for a race”…And most of all you really only have yourself to prove anything to.
Ghada
Hi Ghada
I know that pre-race nerves from a mile away. I always starting thinking about Thursday before a Sunday race, why did I sign up for this? I honestly think you will find that the core work you need to do for the race has been done before now, so just relax and try and get runs in when you can, eat well and try and get sleep (eeek, you don’t need to hear that sleep part). Keep visualising the running of the race in your mind, and see yourself crossing the finish line, and just know that you can take it easy! All you really have to do is finish the race. I plodded along for my first one because it was all new to me I didn’t know where I would start getting tired, or where the track had hills etc. I’m so excited for you!Keep in touch and let me know of your progress!
Running Girl