Well one more week to my next half marathon and I am having panic attacks....WHAT? Has this happened to anyone else but me? It isn't that I can't cover the distance or that I can't do well physically....it's all mental for me. Looking back over my last three halfs, it has been my mind that has gotten in the way of reaching my goal of breaking 2 hours. The last half I came in at 1:54...the difference...I relaxed and just ran! Most of my head games plays out as chest pains, head aches, and stomach cramping...not fun! What am I worried about....... not breaking 2 hours
not finishing (not even rational!)
sucking
people thinking I'm not a good runner (another non-rational thought)
When I was younger and played many many hours of softball, I was always trying to do better than the game before. My Dad used to tell me, "Nance just do your best and let God do the rest!" I think that I need to focus on that. I've done the training, put in the distance, followed my speed days, and now I need to just run. Heading out for 10 miles...hopefully panic free!
My halfs have been mind games for me. ugh. Good luck on your 10 miler today!! : )
ReplyDeleteI think anything I say here is going to be a repeat of what you've already said, but maybe it will help to hear it from another person: "Not Even RATIONAL". OK? Ok. You're going to be great. Relax, and toe the line with confidence. Hmm. Gonna have to check out your schedule dates... I'm going to be up in Norfolk MA (i.e. - REALLY close to Providence) in August... wheels turning...
ReplyDeleteYou are ready - just make sure to rest and hydrate very well. You've got this!!!
ReplyDeleteThe mind games are the biggest obstacle when it comes to running.. not the distance or the physical inability! I have this sort of mantra that I say to myself when my mind starts to go nuts (with the longer distances) - "Settle in. You're going to be here for awhile." Haha! It tends to calm me down when the adrenaline and my mind gets the better of me!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard when you get nervous about it. Go out and have fun! I have to keep that state of mind for mine but also want to PR bad.. it will be tough. Good luck! You know you can do it. I feel when I know I put in the training and I'm confident,I don't get nervous. You got it!
ReplyDeleteI think it's normal to be nervous. Just remember that you've trained well and all you can do is your best. Chin up young person!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, let go of the what-people-think thinks! :) We do this for ourselves and for fun, right? And you are going to have an amazing run and have FUN! Hope to meet ya!
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish we could shut our brains off?!!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for your half Nancy! Your 4th to boot!! AWESOME!!! I will be cheering for you!!
Hang in there girl! It's ALL mental for me too (check out my blog: http://feetdominatingpavement.blogspot.com) so I get it. totally.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Mantras? I touched on them in my beginners running guide on my site. Google them + Runner's world. Very good info.
Both my two 5ks that I've been in I've had panic attacks half way though. You know it sucks. :(
WELL on that cherry note (hope I've been helpful!) I'm your newest follower!! Cheers!!!
yeeesss! we do need a glass of wine!! can't wait till sunday, i hope to crack open the champagne!!
ReplyDeletegood luck at the half!!