So, tomorrow is the big day, and I have to admit I am fairly nervous. I think it is pretty common to feel a little uneasy about something you've never done before, but knowing that doesn't really give me that much comfort. I took it very easy this week, let my body rest up and I feel good. I am planning on doing a quick 2.5 miles home from work today to just get a little workout in, but nothing more than that. I want to be good to go for tomorrow, rain or shine... or more likely snow.
I'm not overly concerned with my finish time, as I know I should be somewhere in the middle of the pack with approx a 30 minute time. Instead, I think I am more concerned of doing something wrong, impeding someone else who is going for gold, or some other silly thing that I haven't dreamt up yet. I am a little concerned with the route, though I am feeling much better about it after the second time we ran it and finished much more easily than the first.
Really though, I think I am just nervous because I am testing myself in front of a bunch of people. I am wearing silly shoes that hardly anyone else will be wearing, and I'm still not in the shape I want to be in, nor look much like a runner.
That all said, I know it will be ok. Ellie will be right there with me plowing through the course and running in our silly shoes together, and just having that is enough to make me good to go for tomorrow.
Check back on Monday for a full race recap!
Jono!
I know you will do great! Nothing to worry about at all. You’ve been training for this for a while now and you are 150% prepared for a 5K or more! It’s natural to feel nervous, butterfly’s in your stomach, etc. I always find it great to have a patner to run with. I have 1 earbud in and the other one out so I can talk to my running buddy and listen to great tunes. Try to pace yourself in the beginning, everyone is going to want to book it at the beginning, but try and keep your pace so you don’t run out of steam by mile 2-3. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Good luck buddy! Can’t wait to here how you did. 🙂
-Suz
You know, I was actually wondering about that. I was wondering if I was allowed to run with earphones and ipod/smart phone
Most races allow you to. I would check your race website or any flyers you got in the mail if they have a restriction on earphones. I know some major marathons you are not allowed to. I have ran in a few where they discourage it, but many people still run with them. I have never been told to take earphones out on race day 🙂
Dude, don’t worry about feeling nervous. Oddly enough, not feeling nervous would be more of a cause for alarm, as you’d be more likely to push too hard and possibly hurt yourself. Just prep the best you can, stop drinking water about an hour before the race (don’t want a full bladder!) and have fun! Good luck tomorrow!
I keep slightly forgetting that we are doing this tomorrow. Then I remember and I panic a little. I am definitely feeling the butterflies, for sure.
But I am looking forward to the free massages afterward!!!
I hadn’t known to stop drinking water about an hour before . . . good tip!
Oh yeah, other ProTips: Good foods to eat before include: fruit, whole grains, peanut butter (most places say a bagel with peanut butter is ideal) and yogurt. Try not to eat meat or eggs, as they’re hard to digest. You might want to eat something light about a half hour before the race, try to keep it in the 100 calorie range. Enough to keep you going without getting you too full. And yeah, the key is to start out at a very easy pace. Should be an easy run until about halfway, then you can start to book it, or you’ll burn out way too fast. Anyway, enough info overload to overwhelm you, just get out there and do it to it!
I bet you get a PR, adrenaline is a powerful thing. Just remember to have fun and realize it is just like any other 5k. Keep your same routine as you normally would do. If that means you get off your couch, put your shoes on and go then that is what I’d do. (But I would probably leave the dog at home) Then at the end try to take as much free food as you can, three weeks later that berry flavored gatoraid will hit the spot.
I have no advice like the others, cause as you know I have yet to run a five K. But good luck, I’ll be thinking about you. I would say break a leg, but you probably would. We are proud of you. Have a great time, both of you.