I registered for the Space Coast Half back in April. If I recall correctly, I signed up for this half marathon before I even signed up for my first 5K. I was lured by the bling and it kind of made my commitment to running real.
My tendency is to register early. For one thing, a lot of the races I want to do fill up early. There is also a cost savings to signing up early, which can be nice.
The downside to signing up so far in advance, is twofold. For one thing, I give myself months and months to agonize and obsesses and overanalyze, which inevitably leads to me psyching myself out. For another, anything can happen: sickness, injury, a change of schedule that can’t be ignored.
You’re at the mercy of a lot of unknowns.
Which is why, with two days to go, when everything was going beautifully, I find myself nursing a small injury. In a completely no-running, skinny-jean-related, freak accident, I ripped about half of my left big toenail off. I’m not going to post a picture, but there is blood, and it hurts like hell. I’m praying that by Sunday morning, the quick is a little healed over, but I am cringing at the thought of running 13.1 miles with my toes jamming up against the box of my shoes.
It is what it is. I’m going to do my best to get it as healed as possible and hopefully, everything will be fine, but my excitement balloon is definitely a little deflated. I really wanted to go into this race at my very best, but the stars are not aligning in that direction.
No matter what, I just have to get out there and do my best. One way or the other, I’m going to finish. Maybe not as fast as I was planning, but I will finish.
I am not sure if I should set a goal right now. Originally, my thought was anything under 3 hours, with 2:45 being the aim and 2:30 being the dream. I hate putting that in writing at this very moment, because I’m feeling discouraged, but maybe having it in black and white will help me on race day.
We leave tomorrow and toenail or no toenail, this is what I’ve been training for from the start! Wish me luck!
You are going to rock Space Coast 1/2 this weekend, my friend!! <3 So glad you signed up early because it sold out so early!!! Hope to give you a sweaty hug!!!! 😉
Krissy @ Shiawase Life recently posted…A year ago..
Thanks, Krissy. I can’t wait to see you cross that finish line!
Jenn…you are going to do SO great! Don’t worry about that silly toenail. Maybe try putting some KT Tape over it, so it doesn’t bother you during the run. I hope to see you at some point during the race. Good luck!
Ashley recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
Oh, girl! I am so excited for you and we will definitely see each other! Probably as you go flying by me! And definitely at the finish line!
runswithpugs recently posted…this is it, complete with a mild freak out
Ouch, sorry about the toe mishap! That sounds really painful. Hopefully by Sun. it’s healed up enough to be good to go!
jan recently posted…Thank You Notes Rerun
Fingers crossed! It’s starting to feel better, so hopefully along with some liquid bandage, I’ll be in decent shape. Of all things!!!!
runswithpugs recently posted…this is it, complete with a mild freak out
Sorry to hear about your toenail! I’m running Space Coast too and can’t wait! Luckily it’s not a hilly race so you won’t have to worry about your toe jamming into your shoe on downhills. Keep positive Lady! You are going to rock this race!
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com recently posted…No Taper Tantrums Here and Mmm Almond Butter!
Good point about the downhills. Hope I see you out there!
I had to run a relay once with a half ripped off big toe nail. It’s not fun but someone suggested duct tape and it worked really well. I just taped the nail down and wrapped a piece of the duct tape on top of the bandaid. It’s supposed to help with the friction.
Good luck girly. I know you’ve worked hard so don’t let it get you down too much. You’ll do fine. Adrenaline will help out come race day.
Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…Race Spectating with Best Damn Race Cheer Squad
Oh, that’s a great idea, too! I’m trying to put it out of my head, but dang it’s a disappointment.
Breathe! I would talk to someone at a running store and see if they have any tips. I’m sure you’ve gotten a lot from Twitter & FB already too! Let’s just have fun at this great race & get that beautiful medal! It’s going to be so much fun! Run Strong! You got this!
Marcia Barton recently posted…Running with the Amish – My Version!
That’s a good suggestion! Thanks, Marcia! I’m trying not to worry about it but I’m bummed.
I love the duct tape suggestion – duct tape fixes EVERYTHING! But distractions aside, you have trained well, and you will ROCK this race! Looking forward to seeing your recap!
Nick Ortega recently posted…CHM Training update: T-9 weeks – No, Make That 8
Duct tape does work wonders! Fingers crossed that all the hard work carries me through!
Unfortunate timing for an injury. Hope it doesn’t detract from your ability to ENJOY the half-marathon
Lisa recently posted…Wonderful Wednesday
It’s so annoying! I will try to remember to enjoy, in spite of it!
GOOD LUCK! You will have a blast.
Kayla recently posted…Spiced Apple Champagne Cocktail
Thank you!
I have loved following along your journey over this past year. All the way from couch to 5k to a Half Marathon? You have come such a long way. Use this race as a chance to celebrate the year and what you have accomplished!
Rock on, sister! You are awesome!!
Wornout Soles recently posted…The Honeymoon Phase
That means the world to me! Thank you for all the support!
I’m so sorry to hear about your injury! I’ve heard SUCH great things about Space Coast and hey, runners are good with or without toenails, right? 😉 Have an amazing time – can’t wait to hear all about it!
Mer recently posted…All I want for Christmas…is a runcation.
I can’t wait to report back! The toe is starting to feel better, so hopefully, it will be a-ok by Sunday morning!
Total bummer about the toe, dislike.
Good luck either way, and I will keep watching this space.
Matilda recently posted…Resolutions + Giveaway
Trust me, I understand how you feel. I ran my first half marathon 3 weeks ago on an injured ankle and overcompensated for it which caused runners knee in the last part of my run. I was in pain but pushed through. I finished. Now while I may not be the best role model considering I probably prolonged my injury, but what I am saying is that you’d be surprised at what you and your body can do. :). Good luck!!!
Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja recently posted…My Tuttorosso Wooden Cooking Spoon {Giveaway}
You are going to rock this! Just remember to have fun with it. After my AZ race I’ve decided, much like Buddy the Elf, that smiling’s the best. It made that half amazing for me.
Also, if you have KT Tape (and I’m willing to bet Ashley has some if you don’t), wrap your toe with it. I had terrible big toe blisters and KT Tape saved me.
Cyanne (RunStretchGo) recently posted…Counting my Blessings
Smiling is the best! I crossed that finish line with a big, fat smile plastered on my face! The toe held up great!
I’m too late to wish you luck. But I hope you had a great race! I’ll watch for your review post:)
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…Updates on my Blog
Oh goodness! I hop, hope, hope your toes feels better that sounds awfully painful!
Best of luck!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com recently posted…Thanksgiving Week 2013