Skip to main content

Voice of Reason

I'm looking for the voice of reason. You know the voice that tells you that you've put in the hard work, that it's going to all be ok, and basically you just need to chill. See, I'm running the VA Beach Half Marathon next weekend. And there are a lot of variables going into this trip/race.

  1. It's Lil Man's first big trip. This will be the longest he's been in the car and the longest away from home.

  2. This is my first race away from home. I have stomach  issues when running anyway. Combine that with my stomach being 'off' from traveling, plus eating different food, plus running.. yeah.. I'm pretty nervous that my runner's trots will keep me in the portapotty more than on the course. OH, and we got our confirmation information about water stops/fuel but NO information about portapottys. I have NO idea what mile they are or how many.

  3. I'm nervous about packing. Once again, this is the longest Lil Man will be away from home. And I'm nervous about forgetting something that I will need for the race. True, in most cases I can buy what any of us would need, but still, I'm nervous about the whole trying to 'get it all together' thing.

  4. I'm way back in a farther corral than the people I have trained with and that I know are going. Realistically, 2:15 would be a PR for me. So going into any corral close to the start really isn't realistic and I know could backfire and cause me to go out too fast. But the thoughts of being alone, in a different corral before the race doesn't sound like what I really want to do either.

  5. Lastly there is the weather. Issac is possibly making his approach. I'm not worried about running in the rain for the race.  But I don't want it to rain the entire time we are there with trying to keep Lil Man occupied.


Basically, I'm just starting to get nervous. I do this before every race (no matter how big or small). At some point, the nerves appear.

Before the major nerves made their appearance today, I ran for the first time with my Knuckle Lights. I think I'm going to like them. I can't use a headlamp. It gives me a headache and feels too awkward. It took me a few minutes to get used to the lights today, but I think I will like them ok. I'm still not a fan of running in the dark. But with the longer runs, and the lack of time, running in the dark is my only option other than the treadmill.

I ran 6 miles with negative splits. This may have been my first time to do this. If not, it hasn't happened very often. Mile 1 ~ 10:42, Mile 2 ~ 10:34, Mile 3 ~ 10:23, Mile 4 ~ 10:09, Mile 5 ~ 9:50, Mile 6 ~ 9:25.   I almost didn't get up today. I'm really glad that I did.

Rest day tomorrow (0ther than yoga). 8 miler on the schedule for Friday.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Running My Life

Wow, has it really been 2 years since my last post? I suppose that I allowed life to get in the way. For any faithful blog readers, I apologize. Although, I'm not sure how many people actually read blogs anymore. I think most people use other social media platforms.  (By the way, drop by and say hi on Insta. )  But for some reason, each year when I pay for my google domain, I can't seem to let it go. As silly as it sounds, this little space is mine. And lately I've been struggling with ownership and acceptance. And my domain renewal was a not so gentle reminder that I have a voice .  Seriously, you'd think by 48 that I'd have this figured out - nope - apparently not. However, I am wise enough to know that we have a choice to allow situations to harms us or make us stronger. I'm choosing to let this mid-life quandary make me stronger. And because of this, I'm setting goals, taking charge, and reexamining priorities.  Movin' on... 

Self Care Is Not Selfish It's Necessary

It's not selfish to take care of yourself. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. And I'll say it just one more time in case you didn't hear me. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. I have found through experience that when I'm not taking care of myself, not only do I suffer but my family suffers. So ditch the mom guilt and take the time that you need! I have a tendency to keep pushing my needs aside until I reach a breaking point. We've had a very busy fun summer so far. However, I've struggled to get some quality ' me ' time to decompress. I'll spare you the meltdown that ensued. But the reality check that followed prompted me to take action.

When The Planner In You Must Be Flexible

In case you haven’t figured this out by now, I’m a planner. I know - shocker right?!? :) So although I love substitute teaching, it’s making the planner in me anxious. And it’s been reeking havoc on my workouts. Basically the morning of or maybe the night before, I find out if I’m working. So my day ( that I thought I had planned ) can be turned upside down in an instant. But, truthfully, isn’t that really the same with everyone?