First Half Fears

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Last post: Nov 11, 2009 8:08 AM by Amigold

Marc03820

23 posts since
Feb 25, 2009

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Oct 30, 2009 7:55 AM

My First Half is Nov 8th and i find that as that date appraoches I become increasingly self doubting and have this pit in my stomach- feels like just some general anxiety?

I have been training for the last 8-9 weeks (Religiously following a plan from Runners world- putting my half time around 1:50) and had a great base before starting the training program. I just completed a local Race Series and ran in all 8 events (5Ks and 10Ks) so i dont think my anxiety is due to Race logistics... Yesterday i finished a challenging speedwork session and felt really Challenged but got through it (8miles, 4x1600@7:44 with 800 jog recoveries) I have been averaging 20+ miles a week now for over 2 months, my recent long runs of 8/9/10 miles were nothing but enjoyable (around 8:45 pace) and i was disappointed when they were over. My Goal is to finish at or under 1:51

I Know it seems silly to be nervous- my head really knows that I am ready, and it even seems sillier when i put it down in writing- but there is still this pit in my stomach and an element of self doubt that is evergrowing in my thoughts...

Anyone feel this way before a big challenge?

Tri 2 Do It

48 posts since
Jan 2, 2008

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1. Oct 30, 2009 8:21 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

Sure sounds like general anxiety... and it's perfectly normal anytime you're about to run a new event for the first time.

I'm running a half marathon on Nov 15 and my goal is to break 2:00 (PR is 2:00:45 so I REALLY want to break that barrier). Whenever I start to feel the anxiety from the goal I've set for myself, I remind myself that my training has gone well and that I'm ready.

It sounds like your training has gone very well also, and that's what you need to tell yourself when you start to have doubts. You've done the hard work needed to meet your goal and now it's time to go out there and do it. You'll see once the race starts that it's like any other race, so then you can focus on maintaining your pace, staying hydrated and taking in some carbs.

Good luck and let us know how you did!

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tatcat99

12 posts since
Oct 3, 2009

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2. Oct 30, 2009 8:35 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

It sounds like first-time nervous anticipation, which is totally normal and expected! It would be more worrisome if you didn't have any nervousness at all.

Based on your training and the times you posted, you are going to do GREAT!! And I bet you're going to have a lot of fun as well.

Good luck!

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rjrunning

70 posts since
Apr 15, 2009

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3. Oct 30, 2009 8:36 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

I just completed my first half 10/10/09 and it was a learning experience for me. I went too fast at the beginning and forgot about hydrating skipping a lot of the water stations. At mile 10, I had some cramps on my calves and started to do a run/walk. I felt like quitting as I run out of energy. I had the same feeling as yours before the race, even was sleepless for days before the race. Good luck on your first half, stick with your plan, take it easy for the first few miles then let it go as you feel necessary, stay hydrated and just enjoy the run. At the finish line, I told myself, I'm not running half anymore and would probably just stay with 5 or 10K. After a week, I signup for my 2nd half also on Nov 8 but this time, I'll run smarter. Whatever you are feeling, you won't even notice will be gone before you know it come gun time. Just enjoy your first half and run smart, good luck!

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Tri 2 Do It

48 posts since
Jan 2, 2008

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4. Oct 30, 2009 9:13 AM

in response to: rjrunning

Re: First Half Fears

rjrunning, after running my first half marathon I also told myself the same thing... "never again". Nov 15 will be my 6th. Same thing after running a full marathon last year, but so far I've kept my word on that one.

I give you lots credit for being willing to do another one less than a month after the first. I space mine months apart, not weeks.

Good luck. The second one will be better!

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Amigold

61 posts since
Nov 14, 2007

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5. Oct 30, 2009 9:42 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

Don't panic--I was so freaked out when I ran my first half a couple of years ago that I almost walked out my front door without my running shoes on! Looked down as I was locking the door, and there I was still in my clogs....that would have been a long 13.1 miles to clog.

Trust your training. Keep telling yourself that. Trust your training. Your body knows it can do this, so trust in that. You've prepared. You did all the hard work already. All you have to do is now is show up at the start line with your shoes on and a grin on your face.

Also, I usually remind myself what is the worse that could happen--well, the worst is that I would walk the entire dadgum thing and people do that, so I would not be looking foolish if I did it too. I was not as well prepared for my last half as I wanted to be, and when the alarm went off that morning and I saw that it was hot and the wind was blowing 40 mph I decided to go back to bed and blow it off...then I told myself, NO, I have trained for this and I'll walk the entire silly thing if I have to, but I'm going out there to the start line with my shoes and my grin. And I ended up with a PR that day. Go figure.

So...tell yourself that you are just going to get to the start line. And let us know what happens after that. Have fun! (PS yell YEE HAH when you take off--or WHOO HOO if you aren't from Texas....it will set the tone for your run as being a fun thing).

Terry

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RB67

86 posts since
Sep 17, 2008

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6. Oct 30, 2009 9:44 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

Marc - I think your anxiety it perfectly normal. I just did my first 1/2 three weeks ago and felt the same way. You sound like you have more race experience than I do, so I won't waste your time. Trust your training, stay hydrated and enjoy the race. I also said the same thing during and after the race about it being my last. Now I am looking at doing two in the first half of 2010 and a full that fall.

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Marc03820

23 posts since
Feb 25, 2009

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7. Nov 2, 2009 9:08 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

Thanks so much for all of your kind words of encouragement- I ran the last long run of my training schedule and felt great. I feel a bit more confident and trying to focus on all the hard work over the past months rather than focus on a time or what could go wrong- I will deffinately post a reace report.

Thanks again! This site is fantastic!

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doogiedoogiedoo

2 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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8. Nov 2, 2009 11:05 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

One thing that I've found helpful is to set multiple goals for a given race, ranging from a PR to just finishing. Depending on how the race is going, I may have to swap out one goal for another, but no matter what, assuming I finish I will have met my goal. Just remember, this isn't the last half that will be held. There will always be another race to run, so even if the race is brutal and you don't meet your expectations, the next half will be that much sweeter. Besides, since it's your first you're guaranteed a PR regardless.

Good luck!

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spicegeek

2,408 posts since
Jan 14, 2007

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9. Nov 2, 2009 11:22 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

you feel like this because it`s important to you !

yes I have felt like that - ask anyone that had to deal with my strung out being for past 2 weeks !

NYC Marathon Nov 1 2009 - 4:03:13 ( 9:17 mm )

NYC Half Marathon Aug 16 2009 - 1:55:38 ( 8:49 mm )

1 mile - 7:07 10K - 52:58 ( 8:32 mm)

4 mile - 31:35 ( 7:53 mm) 8K - 42:28 ( 8:32 mm)

15K - 1:22:02 ( 8:49 mm)

Find the Half Marathon Team on FACEBOOK

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Marc03820

23 posts since
Feb 25, 2009

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10. Nov 2, 2009 11:30 AM

in response to: spicegeek

Re: First Half Fears

That is a fantastic point!

Congratulations on Finishing the NYC marathon!

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cyndi t

756 posts since
Aug 11, 2008

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11. Nov 2, 2009 1:26 PM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

Marc,

OMG I'm the biggest nut case and trust me I was an absolute mess before my first HM on Oct 18th. My mantra in my signature is what kept me somewhat sane.....TRUST THE TRAINING!....you've done it, you're ready, the work is done....trust it. You will do awesome, I know it. I was so very proud of myself that day, and you will be too...and then I couldn't wait to sign up for another. Yes, I'll be a basket case before the next one too but that's because, like Spice said, it matters. Trust your training and go ROCK THAT RACE! and let us know how you did!

Cyndi

TRUST THE TRAINING!

Seaside Half Marathon 10/18/09 3:00:52

Beavertown 5K 11/7/09 35:57

2010 races:

More Half Marathon April 2010

Ridgewood Run 10K Memorial Day 2010

Seaside Half Marathon October 2010

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cyndi t

756 posts since
Aug 11, 2008

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12. Nov 10, 2009 10:33 AM

in response to: Marc03820

Re: First Half Fears

Well Marc, how did you do? Please let us know how you dealt with your anxiety and how your race went!

Cyndi

TRUST THE TRAINING!

Seaside Half Marathon 10/18/09 3:00:52

Beavertown 5K 11/7/09 35:57

2010 races:

More Half Marathon April 2010

Ridgewood Run 10K Memorial Day 2010

Seaside Half Marathon October 2010

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Marc03820

23 posts since
Feb 25, 2009

Currently Being Moderated

13. Nov 10, 2009 11:00 AM

in response to: cyndi t

Re: First Half Fears

Thanks for the Poke Cyndi! I got caught up in all the work that I had been slacking on towards the end of last week and had yet to circle back here!

The Race was Fantastic! I finished on the low end of my Goal at 1:51:07 ( I was hoping for anywhere between 1:50 and 1:55)

The morning of the Race was a bit Surreal- almost like.. is this really happening? is this really it... I cant believe I will be running in 2 hours.. 1.5 hours.... an hour!! Thankfully I have two young ones ( little boy almost 3 and a girl 10 months) who don't allow me to focus too much on my own head- Also a big help was that this was the 10th race of the year for me (I ran in a local Race Series of 5Ks and 10Ks) so getting ready and the morning routine before a race wasn't that much of an oddity...

The Weather was beautiful and perfect- about 45 and sunny when the gun went off... Like most first half/ Race stories you hear, I went out a bit Faster than I had planned. But thankfully I heard the advice of others in my head telling me to slow down! and to not go out too fast no matter how great you feel. I did slow down a bit which I think helped, as the last 2 miles were my slowest and most challenging. I found that the miles after 10 were a bit of a blur, felt like I wasn't even running, my legs were just moving under me- which sounds odd to some who cant understand why I wasn't anguishing every step... I was in total auto pilot- legs were Heavy for sure and starting to bark at me but I knew the end was near and just kept going.

I never really felt uncomfortable or like i was not going to make it. Which i think is my biggest accomplishment- and makes me proud that all of the miles i put in to get there paid off.

I am of course thinking "what's Next"? i kind of wish it wasn't fall heading into winter as Races become much much fewer and further between- I will certainly keep running- Goal is to keep up at 25 miles a week. Considering a Full Marathon and trying to decide which- Spring or Fall? Big or Local?

Thanks so much for your support and advice- Much appreciated, i will be sure to pass along my experiences and advice when needed.