31 Days.
31 days are standing between me and the Rock n’ Roll USA Half Marathon.
All of a sudden, I’m getting anxious about the race. A large part of my nervousness is stemming from the fact that I’ve been running well. At least I think I’ve been running well, but have I been running well enough? Could I be doing more? Can I sustain this for another month? Am I getting my hopes up for naught?
Logically, I KNOW a PR is entirely in my grasp. To recap, in my first and only half (the National half in 2008), my finish time was 2:10:48 (or an average pace of 9:59). My goal for this first half was to run the whole thing and finish. That’s an entirely different sort of goal than the one I’m shooting for now — to run the half faster. Ideally about 3 minutes faster.
My latest training runs indicate I can achieve this:
Long Runs
- 11 miles – 10:27 avg (25 degrees and windy)
- 10 miles – 10:15 avg
- 9 miles – 10:31 avg (with snow/ice)
Tempo Runs
- 6 miles – 9:10 avg (would have been a 10K PR!)
- 5 miles – 9:16 avg
I haven’t been pushing it on the long runs. I could run faster, but I’ve been shooting for consistency.
The tempo runs have been quick, but I’ve felt in control. Like I could do another mile at that pace if pressed.
Surely this indicates that 13 at 9:45 is well within reach, right?
I think I can do it, but I’m scared. What if I go out too fast? What if my stomach doesn’t cooperate? What if, what if. All this second guessing. Doubting myself. Discounting my training. I need to push STOP on the negative mind chatter.
I’m going to focus on positive thinking.
I’m going to come up with some great mantras to carry me through.
I’m going to BELIEVE in myself and my training.
I’m going to get my mind in the right frame of thinking to show up at that starting line and conquer!
QOTD: How do you overcome negative thoughts and/or race anxiety?
I think you are totally ready for a PR
For me, half of battling race anxiety is tricking myself into thinking this is just another long run. It USUALLY works pretty well but I have to really focus on that fact at the start of the race so I don’t freak myself out. I also do a lot of visualizing during my last few long runs to pump myself up, confidence-wise. You’re going to be great! Just remember that!
As always, you have a great view on managing expectations and getting mentally prepared. Thanks for the support!
That’s why they refer to NFL games as “any given Sunday”. You go out and you perform to the best of your ability (all things considered, but not used as an excuse) and you do your very best that you can do on that given day. You have put in the time and training, you’ve done your preparations. A PR is most definitely achievable!!
Trust in your training! You’ve got this Brigid!!
Thanks for the pep talk, Mary!
What you’re going through is completely normal. You’re training looks solid and you are on pace for a PR. I bet the anxiety goes away on race day and your body will take over.
I try not to think too much about the actual race and just focus on each week. Easier said than done, I know. I guess you just have to trust yourself. Even though my 2nd half was not fun, I still managed to PR, so your body knows what it can and cannot do!
Good luck!!
I know I’m a newbie to the half, but I’ve been very impressed with your running/training based on what I read, so I think you’ll kill it!
Thanks Emily!
I try to remember to trust my training. I know that adrenaline will help kick up my pace on race day so I try to focus on the other aspects of my life leading up to race day. Race week, there’s no stopping my nerves/excitment/nerdiness!
I wish I wasn’t injured- we have entries for the RNR USA 1/2, but it will be a DNS for me. Just canceled the entire DC trip to save $ for future races when I can actually run!
Best wishes!!!
Sorry to hear about your DNS. Hope your recovery goes well and you are back out there racing soon! The good thing about most races is that they’re always there for you again next year!
Oh Brigid, I’ve been the same way lately! The better my training, the more nervous I get about whether I’ll be able to replicate it on race day. It’s such a funny mental block! You’d think it would be the exact opposite – good training = confidence.
Thoughts like this have stopped me from ever signing up for a race.
But: I’m sure you’ll be fine, and can give your best at running a PR. And if not: The worst would be to try at again at a later race.
Giiirl, you are gonna do great! Trust your training! Long runs in training are going to be slower than your race pace. I know you’ve been doing tempos, but you’ll do great. Have a feeling you might surprise yourself. Are you wearing a garmin or other GPS at the race? Use that to make sure you don’t go out too fast and just keep checking in with yourself every mile! You are nervous and that makes sense, but you have put in the work! You are going to get it done in 31 days! Can’t wait to read your recap! =)
Thanks for the good advice. I do plan to run with my garmin. It will only be my second race running with it. I think you’re right and it will be a big help! I’m looking forward to it!
The long training runs are supposed to be slow and easy. Don’t be afraid, you’ll have a strong finish with a good attitude!