I started training back in February. I was super excited to have a plan to follow. I knew if I stuck to the plan I would feel fully prepared to run the 1/2 marathon...and not completely die in the process.
Well I haven't died...but I don't feel like I have done my best for training for this big day.
I know for some, running a 1/2 marathon is like a walk in the park. No brainer. Easy to prepare...easy to run. This is kind of a big deal for me. I went from not being able to run a full mile without practically hyperventilating...1 year ago....to attempting to run 13.1 miles.
Training has been harder than I thought it would be. The weather has thrown in a few wrenches. My husband has traveled more than I had anticipated...and I had a slight accident with a retaining wall that set me back a bit a few weeks....and my leg isn't 100% completely healed. 10 miles will probably be the most I will actually run in preparation for the big day. I am hoping to run the last 3.1 miles using adrenaline reserves from who knows where.
Thank goodness though for the Y. I have been able to leave the kids in the daycare for up to 2 hours to run a bit outside. Thank goodness for Saturday naptimes and a few nice weekends where I could get a few long runs in. Thank goodness for our indoor bike. When I can't go out to run sprints/hills/or even a mile, I try to do 10-20 miles on the bike. I know that isn't the same as running, but it is something. Today I biked for 47 miles, because I couldn't work up to being gone for 3+ hours to get an 11 mile run in.
I am scared about running 13.1 miles. I am worried that I will fail and not make it to the finish line. I am worried that I will fail myself and my family. I wish I had someone at my pace to run with, to help give me the extra boost, but I don't know anyone at my pace.
So wish me luck as I finish the last few weeks of training. Let me know if you will be some where on the 1/2 marathon route so I can look for you...if you are still around when the slowsters come through. I might need a hug or an extra push to keep going.
I love this post! It's how SO MANY first time runners feel, and now when you are done you will be able to look back at this and feel so amazing for having pushed through hard training, doubts, and fears...and you'll feel that joy of having done this awesome, huge, very cool thing! :)
ReplyDeleteAs for someone to run with, they will probably have signs up in the big start line and you can try to find a group of people that are about your same pace to run with. You won't know them, but by the end you might have some new friends! :)
Oh, and 10 is absolutely plenty to run before this race. The last three miles will be hard, but SO EXCITING because you'll be running a personal record distance with EVERY STEP! :)
I'll be praying for you to have a super experience and to be able to sleep the night before. Remember, NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY (clothes, food, shoes, sunglasses, nothing)! :)
Way to stick with it this far - you're almost there!
Kiley
Thanks Kiley! Your advice means a lot to me. So what you are saying is that I shouldn't run with compression socks for the very first time for the 1/2:) I was investigating them last night and thought they might help, but won't get a chance to run a long distance before then. I decided against it for now. Wouldn't look good with my outfit:)
DeleteSo excited for you!! I did my first 1/2 in May of 2011 and my 2nd in May of last year (both in Papillion). I LOVED it. 10 miles is probably my favorite distance to race, but the 1/2 is a close 2nd! =) I'll be praying for you. Remember, to just run easy and enjoy the experience (That's what I did for my first half) =)
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