Happy Monday.
In six days, I’ll be lining up at the start in Fernandina Beach, ready for my second-ever half marathon.
It’s a dizzying feeling.
But as with all things, there is good news and bad news.
The good news? I’m excited. I’m ready for a girls’ weekend with some wonderful friends and talented athletes. I’m looking forward to the gorgeous race course and the pre-race and post-race festivities at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. The experience is one I am sure to never forget.
Which brings us to the bad news, and kind of why I haven’t updated much in the past few days.
I’m not physically at the top of my game. Which means my mental wellbeing is suffering, too. It’s nothing incredibly serious. I got some hideous blisters at Disney last Monday on the tops of both littles toes (from a pair of shoes that never gave me any trouble in the past, which was my entire reason for wearing them) that are healing way too slowly for my liking. On top of that, I’ve had a couple little hiccups with my health, which is causing me to reign things in a bit. It’s nothing terribly serious, but it’s annoying, inconvenient and means spending more time listening to my body.
Needless to say, my emotions are all over the map. I am a big fan of perpetual forward motion: always improving, always stretching for another goal. Setbacks and stalls really get in my head and mess with me. Which is ridiculous because no good thing comes without challenges and false starts, and my logical self knows this, but the part of my brain that loves seeing me writhe in self-doubt sure is having a field day right now.
My mantra for the week is going to be pretty simple: “It’s out of my hands, so enjoy.”
I can do the distance. I’ve proven it. I love the distance. I love the act of running (usually). There is nothing productive to come from analyzing the what ifs and could have beens, and no amount of beating myself up will have any positive impact on Saturday. And so I am going to try to let it all go, focus on eating right, getting enough sleep, squeezing in a last shake-out run or two if I can, and go to the start line of ZOOMA prepared for a great day and a great run.
What are your best coping techniques for when your body rebels against your plans and goals?
You got this!! It’s all mind over matter and you know you can complete the miles already. One way I cope when my body is telling me no is to incentivize it. For example, I went for a long run and was dying at mile 6 with 4 miles to go. So I told myself that I could eat some ice cream if I completed the 10 miles, but only if I did all the miles! Good luck with your race!
Great plan! I know I can get it done. It’s just a matter of the quality of my performance. They can’t all be PRs, of course, but it’s disappointing when they’re not. Thanks for the support. 🙂
You’re not alone for this one… I am DEFINITELY NOT at the top of my game physically or mentally. I’m just excited to meet some new people and have a blast 🙂
Cori @ olivetorun.com recently posted…Experiencing a Peace of Mind
Great attitude! I’m excited to meet a bunch of great people., too! It’s going to be fun!
Just relax and go with the flow. Enjoy the race and trust your training. You can do it!
Meg @ Meg-in-Training recently posted…Review – Greatest Naps, Vol. 2: The Best of Jammy Jams
Thanks. I hope I can do just that.
Ugh, so sorry that you’re not feeling your best. Figures that it would happen right before a race, right? Blah. But you’re right. It’s out of your hands – and you have lots of things to look forward to this weekend besides the actual race. Try to take care of yourself, and you’ll be ok.
Diana recently posted…North Coast 24 Hour Endurance Run
I know, right? There is such a head game that goes along with running – for me, it’s almost more mental than physical. I wish things were different, but they are what they are, and no matter what, I’m just going to get out there and try my hardest. No point in worrying too much. Or at least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself. 🙂
don’t be afraid to pop those blisters to drain the fluid.
I had these same problem, shoes that never gave me dramas, then suddenly have me issues. It could mean that you need new shoes. If they keep giving you problems, then I would consider getting refitted.
the days that are can’t be arsed, I just go out and do it and I feel better. This morning for example I so didn’t want to go for a run. But I knew that if I didn’t go for a run, it would get way too hot to run later. So I did it. Sure it was slow (hill training), but I did it and I felt so much better for it.
You may also be bored with our workouts, so try something new, a new route even. Also talking about it helps.
Matilda recently posted…Banana, Avocado & Strawberry Surprise
Oh, they are popped and drained. They are just big and deep.
These were just casual flats, not running shoes. I hate shoes, and generally wear flip flops when I’m not running, but since the temps were low, I had to wear something a little more substantial.
Usually, I do just suck it up and get out there, but the last week, that decision wouldn’t have been a wise choice. This too, will pass, though. Or so they say. 🙂
My body is in a constant state of rebellion lately. I rest, take time, tell myself I won’t lose what I’ve built up over time and then remember it is mind over matter and I want it badly.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Here Comes the Taper
I do want it. Just going to do my best 🙂
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
Ugh. Well, at least you’re aware of this, that’s half the battle right there. Rest, relax, go in and have FUN!!! good luck 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Lessons in Nutrition: Marathon Training Week 7
That’s the plan! I wish things were a little different, but not much I can do about it, so I might as well just enjoy the ride!
Eeek, super exciting!! Get some rest and relax, try not to stress – I know, easier said than done!
ari @ whatarisaid recently posted…mentally moved to oregon…
I know. I know. Sometimes, I’m too hard on myself. It will be fine 🙂
I very much understand not being at the top of your game – I’m feeling really off right now too. But I like your mentality about it – go and enjoy the race for what it is at the time. I hope you begin to heal soon. xo
Mer recently posted…Recipe Box: Buffalo Chicken* Chili
Me, too, Mer. Me, too. It’s hard when you know you can do something, but maybe you shouldn’t do it or shouldn’t go at it with 110%. I try to remember that each experience is just a learning curve for the next. Can’t go wrong with that.
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
A 1/2 in Florida? What’s not to enjoy! Have a GREAT time!
jan recently posted…Shoe Color – Do You Care?
Well. It will be 42. So there’s that.
Well, yeah, that. But the rest should be good. LOL
jan recently posted…Quizlet
What a wonderful mantra, I am going to have to remember that one.
I hope that you begin to feel better and regardless of what happens are able to enjoy the race.
Mentally preparing myself for various scenarios helps me relax when there are extenuating circumstances I can’t control but they affect me.
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com recently posted…Christmas Came Twice This Year!
Well, I tend to overthink my scenarios. It will all start out innocently enough – what happens if your shoelace comes untied – and then goes to – and you’re running, and a pod of dolphins beaches themselves right in front of you, with three minutes to the finish line and OMG WHAT DO YOU DO????? So I have to watch myself on that. On the plus side, I like to think I’m prepared for all the things. 😉
runswithpugs recently posted…on the road again
It seems like a lot of people are having an off week. Maybe we all just need a breather 🙂 From what I’ve heard the ZOOMA Florida views are so great that you won’t be thinking anything but happy thoughts! Good luck!!
Lindsey recently posted…Week 11 Update
It’s really a beautiful area, and the course will be amazing. I’m very excited for all that.