Half Marathon jitters

rubysparkle

Hi,

I need some encouragement. I have completed nearly 11 weeks of my 12 week Half Marathon programme with my race a week on Sunday. The training has been ok, although due to busy work commitments I have struggled to get in the strength training but the runs have been ok. I have been tired so im hoping my legs recover in time for my race.

I have got 2 x 10 mile runs in and that is as far as my training programme takes me. My calves are tight so i don't want to push it too far but my problem isn't physical. I am am beginning to freak myself out with nerves. Mainly because of my size, i did the C25K programme a year ago, then the bridge to 10k and now i've nearly finished the half marathon yet because i havent lost the weight; i still have about 40 lbs to lose, i feel scared i will be judged on the race day. I am running for charity and my goal is just to complete it but work colleagues are starting to ask how long my runs are taking and its all beginning to make me nervous.

Anyone else been in this position where you have done the training and now scared silly? Also my last few shorts runs have been terrible because im tired. I haven't had the 'runners high' feeling since my 7 mile run. I want to get back to where i am feeling confident and get into the zone again but i feel im sabotaging it with my negative thoughts.

Please help

trlrnrgrl

You are going to ROCK it! You've already run 2 10 milers, which means you have the fitness to complete your half. Don't worry about the missed strength training - that's not going to make or break your race. You will still cross that finish line! Don't worry about being judged about your weight. I simply can't imagine anyone judging you - races are generally such supportive and positive atmospheres, and everyone's just happy to be there. All of the racers will very likely be just thinking about their own race. And all the spectators will be in awe of all the racers, cheering them on, wishing they could race, and being inspired. I have seen men and women of all sizes, shapes, ages, and fitness levels, some walking, some running, some limping, some in wheelchairs, some running with prosthetics. I even saw a blind runner one time, being led by a sighted person.

It sounds like to me you are focusing on all the things that feel frightening and all the things that could go wrong, and worrying about what others (your coworkers, other racers) are thinking. Understandable, yes. Manageable, also yes. There are also many things that can be fun, exciting, and inspiring about doing this amazing, wonderful accomplishment! And it IS an accomplishment - not everyone can do a half marathon! One thought for managing your anxiety and trying to re-focus your mind so you can have a great race day: sit down and make a list of all the positive things about what you're doing. When you find your mind wandering to that scary, negative place, pull out the list and review. Another thought: visualize your self crossing the finish line. How do you want to feel?

A few last thoughts - race day is usually full of so much positive energy, with everyone cheering all the racers along. That's going to give you a sweet burst of happiness and energy that you can't simulate in your long runs. Finally, this is your first half and you are doing it for a wonderful cause. You'll never get to have your "first" again, so I say - soak it up and just enjoy the whole thing - all your hard work, the money you're raising, the people cheering you, crossing the finish line, wearing the medal and shirt, all of it!

Best of luck and have a wonderful race!

rubysparkle

Thank you so much for your reply. I think I will print this off and keep reading it to myself. I am forgetting why i am doing this (for charity) and letting my fears consume me.

I think i have forgotten about the journey. Just a little over a year ago i was running from lampost to lampost and now i can run my whole city, i think i forget the little things and how far I have come. Thank you for all the support and advice - really helps me very much.

I really just want to finish it, and like you say it's my first half so i should just enjoy it.

Thanks!

rybo

Chin up, don't panic, you've done enough training to get your thru, relax & enjoy the race & the atmosphere. There will be runners of all shapes, sizes, & ages.

I don't know how big your race is, but feed off the excitement & energy of the other runners. You will have a great time!

rubysparkle

Thank you for all the great advice - i successfully completed my first half marathon last week and enjoyed every minute of it. Big thank you for calming my nerves.

sprinkies

you DEFINITELY can do it!! i ran a couple 10 milers before my race, and only 1 11 mile and i finished my half under my goal time.

i wish i didn't freak out as much as i did for it. i finished, didn't walk, and didn't die. heck, i even signed up for a second half and i'm signed up for a full.