There is exactly a week until the much anticipated half marathon and I’m starting to freak out. Doubts have started creeping in and I can’t help it. I mostly wonder if I’m ready, if I’ll be able to finish, if I’ll be able to run the entire distance, if I’ll be able to do it in a decent (for me) time, if I’ll hate it, if I’ll get hurt, if, if, if. I hear this is normal but it doesn’t really help. I think it’s normal to have so many doubts when you are about to do something big for the first time. It’s not like joining the military, getting married or having kids but it’s definitely of the most worrisome events of my adult life. I may be exaggerating a bit but maybe not. I’ve been training for a long time and I have a lot invested in this race, not monetarily speaking. I’m actually terrified I’ll bomb it and have to actually tell people! More importantly, I’m terrified that I’ll bomb it and it will put me off running for good.
So, in order to sorta relax a bit, I have some goals for the race. First and foremost, I want to have fun. The other goals are as follows, in this particular order:
1. Finish the distance.
2. Finish the distance in under 2:30 (very conservative).
3. If I can’t finish it in that time, not to beat myself up over it.
4. Try not to pig out after the race on the excuse that I just ran a half marathon 😉
I fairly certain I can run the 13.1 miles at my easy pace but I don’t know if I can run 13.1 miles at race pace. According to my last 10k time, in theory, I should be able to finish the half marathon in just over 2:13. Mind you, I ran that 10k in fairly cool weather and that weather is not likely for the half marathon.
So, unless I get hurt and have to withdraw, I will cross that finish line and get my finisher’s medal even if I have to crawl.
As a side note, I actually registered for the ING Miami Half Marathon NEXT YEAR. I did it on the blitz for much less than the normal fee. I was terrified of making the commitment because of all the doubts about the A1A half marathon next week but I did it. I hope to actually do it.
I also registered for my first duathlon and my first mud run! The duathlon is on April 23rd and the mud run, the Merrell Down and Dirty is on May 1st. I’m really looking forward to both.
Julie Runs Boston
June, Good luck on your 1/2! With all of the training you have done and all that you have accomplished, just remember to have fun, enjoy the experience and be proud of how far you came. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about how you did! My first 1/2 is Sunday too. Hampton, NH. Weather is forcasted for a high of mid 30’s and windy! The race is at 10am and the 2nd half is along the ocean. Still unsure of how to dress, but again, I just want to have fun and finish.