Today was my last pre-race run. In an odd way, I kind of put it off all day. It's not that I didn't want to run... I think, if anything, I was trying to wait until the last minute so I wouldn't have to go as long between runs. I wanted to savor this one. I don't know the last time I went five days without running. It's been a while.
I headed out late afternoon without my watch, without wearing a million layers of clothes, and without the intention to push myself to run faster. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing (a little too hard, if you ask me), and the roads were dry. In other words, it was great running weather.
I can essentially tell you any mileage of any path near my house right now, but instead of doing my normal four-mile jaunt today, I chose to run a path I used to run when I first picked up this hobby. I remember a couple of years ago, when I first started running, it used to feel extremely difficult. But now, it feels sort of... normal to do it. It was nice to just run for running's sake today.
To be fair, this run was not without its aches and pains. My legs are sore. Super sore, actually. But knowing they get a five day running break helps. The last few weeks have been a good lesson in mind over matter. It might hurt, but I'm still capable of doing it.
I thought about a lot of things on this run -- my fears of failure seem to be coming more often now that the race is getting closer. I'm afraid I'll let myself down. I'm afraid I'll let other people who've been cheering me on down. I'm afraid I'll have been talking about this race for four months and it won't go the way I want it to go. And that is a blog I REFUSE to write!
At this point, I think the best thing I can do is trust that what I've done has been enough.... and enjoy the ride. Because oh what a ride it will be. :)
Put your mind back in control. This is going to be an awesome event. You will make everyone proud :) You already have! I don't know what your goal is but to finish is a great one. Run it all, walk some if you have to, crawl or be dragged acrossed the finish line by fellow runners...lol. This is an awesome journey & I can wait to here from you when are done. Rest, please rest, and then GO GET 'EM!!!
ReplyDeleteP.S.
You will look great in purple *you know - the medal*
Best of luck with your half marathon. No matter what happens you will never let down your friends and family. I know I'm proud of you for the journey you've chosen to take. And, I'm pretty sure your other friends and family would agree. So, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteSherry, you've been such an awesome motivator to me throughout this whole process! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your constant kind words and support!
ReplyDeleteAllie! Thank you for the congrats! I can't wait to do it -- hope the wedding planning is going well!
I hope you continue to write on this blog about your continued running/training after the Princess 1/2. It's nice to talk to another runner on here. We all need to be motivated & encouraged when we reach for our dreams. You are a dreamer but you are also a "doer"!
ReplyDeleteNow, back to business! I've been watching the temps in Florida & it's been near 80. Looks like overnights in the 50's. 50's is a good starting temp but 80 is tougher to run in. Make sure you get that sunscreen on & if it heats up quick don't push your pace & make sure you hydrate along the way...I know, I sound like your second mom...lol. Oh, I know you are going down a little early, the one thing I heard other Disney runners say was walking around too much a day or days before the race made for some tired,dead legs for race day. So if you must trapce (how do you spell that?) around, go in a wheelchair & save your legs for race day...lol.
Wishing you the very best & most awesome run of your life! Perfect weather, smooth running with no/minimal pain, cross the line & grab that purple bling! Good luck Sweetness :)))
Love that you're keeping an eye on all this for me! I figure the fun is going to come up around 7:40, so I'm hoping it will stay cool-ish until then! My plan is to hydrate like a mad woman this week (even more than I usually drink!). The plan is to hit the Expo and Downtown Disney Friday, the pool Saturday, and then AFTER the race we'll hit the parks. I'm also using this as a good reason to sit at school this week... and wear flats and sneakers!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to get one more blog in before we go, but then I'll probably switch over to Facebook for the trip! See you on there! And thank you, again, for all your support, Sherry!
Sounds like an awesome plan. Don't get burned at the pool, that Florida sun is HOT!!! What time does your race start? Can you run with your music? I use my cell phone & listen to Pandora right now so wondering if that's allowed. If not, I'll have to get a new mp3 player & some music on it before I go down there!
ReplyDeleteAre you even sleeping??? I'm so excited!
I promise not to burn -- lots of sunscreen packed!
ReplyDeleteThe race kicks off at 5:45, but I think my corral will probably be the last time (6:18). I'm hoping to be done by 8:30! I CAN run with music, thank goodness! I'm going to need it!
I'm barely sleeping... but I'm trying! :)