Pre Half Marathon Thoughts

I’m nervous about the half marathon. I wish I wasn’t, but the darn race is lingering in my mind day in and day out. I think it’s mostly because this is the first time since I’ve really learned how to race that I’m giving myself a fair shot at the half. So I’m not sure if this is a pep talk to myself or what, but these are my thoughts out loud.

I know how to work hard and am willing to push myself. I know this. I’ve done it a million times. But, for some reason, leading up to a race, I doubt my abilities.

Sometimes I think I’m willing to work harder in workouts than I am in races. I always consciously tell myself in races to remember how hard I worked in training and it wasn’t for the training day it was for THIS DAY. The splits I’ve put in indicate that I should be hit my goal. My mind and body need to agree on race day. When it hurts, I have to decide to push.

When I did a ladder workout last week. I proved to myself that I could really get done what I want to do. I hit my mile repeats faster than I’ve ever ran them and “cooled down” from the ladder in a weird kind of tempo way at a fast pace that felt very manageable. But right now, the thought of running that fast for 13 miles has me questioning what it will feel like.

I know I’ve written posts like this before, but while it’s on my mind, I’m going to talk about it.

So here’s what I need to do during the race. Mentally:

Miles 1-5: Control. Control your mind, control your thoughts. Don’t obsess over how far you are going to run. Control your body. Be comfortable during this time. DO NOT run any mile faster than 6:45 even if it feels good. This is not a good idea. Don’t do it Lindsey, don’t. And enjoy this part of the race. Soak it up and remember why you love running so much.

Miles 5-9: Settle into the pace set during first 5 miles and don’t move. Don’t slow down, don’t speed up. Chill. Think about Mumford and Sons Concert on Monday. Think about eating ALL THE FOOD. Think about the finish line and how happy you’ll be when you don’t wuss out.

Mile 9-13: Get to mile 10 and race her in as best as you can. No holding back now. Do what you can do. No matter how fast or slow you run now, it’s going to hurt so you might as well push harder.

Remember. It’s only an hour and a half of my life. Just WORK.

Here are the things I plan on repeating to myself:

• I am strong. 
• I’ve worked hard for this. 
• I want this. 
• I’m stronger than I think I am
• I can. 
• My movements are smooth. 
• My body is light. 
• I feel good. 
• Loosen up. 
• Run this mile.
• Mumford and Sons Concert
• Life is good
• Run happy
• I am confident
• I am Grateful
• Repeat