Friday, June 4, 2010

Gearing Up for the Half...

...AHH!!! It's tomorrow!!! Where did the time go??? Since March 15, two days after my 27th birthday, I set out on a mission to run a half-marathon...that's 13 POINT 1 miles people!!! What was I thinking!?! Tomorrow is the big day and I'm so anxious, excited, nervous, scared, I have to pee five million times ready for it to get here...I just can't wait!!! It's been a long time since I've looked forward to something like this, yes, I said look forward to. For those of you that know me well, who would have have thunk that I'd be saying I was looking forward to running 13.1 miles!?! It's insane!!!

Since March 15, I've done 66 workouts, ran/walked 246.98 miles and devoted over 41 hours of working out. Wow, when I actually type it out like that, it doesn't look like that much so hopefully its enough to get me through the race tomorrow. I've had some awesome runs that left me with the biggest runner's high and I've had some really horrible runs that have left me feeling lost and defeated. Tomorrow is the day I find out how I'll do.

Can I be honest and not get any, "oh you'll be fine" or "you're crazy!" comments? Want to know what my biggest fear is tomorrow? My first goal is 1. to finish and my second goal is to finish under 3 hours. I haven't VERBALLY (or written) this out but based on my long distance runs outside, I've been averaging about 12.30 minute miles which would put me around 2.45ish. My biggest fear is that I have that number in the back of my head and if I don't hit it, I'm going to be disappointed in myself. Yes, I will be able to say I finished a half marathon but I'm so scared that I'm going to let myself down. I, of course, always worry that I'm going to let everyone else down too but I know you guys, my family and friends will be proud of me for finishing so now my biggest fear is me. I'm afraid that I'm going to finish a half marathon and be disappointed because I didn't run it in the time that I "should."

I've been getting ready all week...packing my race day bag (kind of like your pregnancy bag for the hospital except mine has clean shorts and a t-shirt, flip flops and deodorant), confirming plans with everyone, reading the race website daily, planning my meals carefully (I already have a banana and oatmeal laid out for breakfast on Saturday), deciding on drinks and medicine to keep me hydrated (like only water after Wednesday and no more prednisone-sorry I live on this stuff now that it's "officially" poison season), making sure I have at least four ponytail holders for the pigtails and extra if they break, my AGD visor which totally won't match the rest of my outfit (ugh that pink and red clash...in my opinion at least), and the list goes on.

I'm getting really excited for this! I'm going to get to meet some of my Daily Mile friends, and most importantly, I'm going to prove to myself and everyone else that I can do it. I'm also a little sad that it's near because, it's like your wedding day, you work so hard and dedicate so much time and then in a blink of an eye it'll be done. I've been talking about this for almost three months now so I've got to decide what I want to do next (I have an idea but I'm not going to commit until the end of July/beginning of August so you'll just have to stay tuned in to find out what!!!).

To sign off, I want to thank each and every one of you (even the blog stalkers) for your kind words, support, encouragement and for dealing with me blabbing about this silly thing for three months now. The next time you hear from me, I will hopefully be able to say, "I've ran a half marathon" and the crazy thing is I have never in my entire life wanted nor thought that I could do this and in less than 24 hours, we'll find out!

In case you're interested or you're bored on Saturday morning, I thought I'd share this with you:

"NEW in 2010, we will broadcast the Hospital Hill Run start/finish line LIVE on our website. If you have a friend or a family member who is unable to attend the race, tell him or her to visit the Hospital Hill Run site on race day. He or she can watch the start and finish of every race, LIVE! There is no fee to watch. The website is www.hospitalhillrun.com"

Wish me luck!!!

11 comments :

Christy Duffy said...

All the training is an amazing accomplishment in itself! Can't wait to hear how the actual race goes. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning!

Jennelle said...

I'll definitely be thinking of you tomorrow!

And as far as your fear of missing your time... Seriously, the fact that you're doing this is amazing. I have a fear of failing on my goals/resolutions for stuff like this, so I just don't make them. How sad is THAT? I mean, I just don't even try! The fact that you've pushed yourself out of your comfort zone is an accomplishment in and of itself, no matter what happens tomorrow. Good luck!

from C to C said...

Good luck tomorrow!!! Can't believe it's finally here, I am so exicited for you!!

d.a.r. said...

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

Alicia said...

Wishing you luck and most of all confidence. You have prepared hard for this and should be proud of yourself no matter what that ending time happens to be. Have fun tomorrow!

Amanda @ It's Blogworthy said...

You're going to be amazing!! No worries...just think of it this way..no matter how fast you run, you can say...I did it! and that's so important. Good luck!

Holly Renee said...

WOOHOO WOOHOO WOOHOO! Good luck!! You have done so much work already, way to go. I hope to see pictures and get an update when it's all done. How cool!!

Vee said...

Good luck girl! What an amazing accomplishment....I really need to get off my butt and sign up for one! Can't wait to see how everything goes, you'll do great!

Slamdunk said...

Yikes, I am late on this one. Best wishes with your run or better yet congrats on the finish (since you won't be reading this until after the big accomplishment).

Adie said...

I can't wait to hear!!! biting my nails - so excited!! bbff ;)

Anonymous said...

I remember how nervous and excited I was for my first half. You're so smart to get your stuff ready before hand. Just remember, you've done the work, so the race will be fun. Just don't go out too fast. Watch your pace the first 3 miles VERY carefully cause adreneline can creep up on you and you'll end up speeding through. I can't wait to hear how it goes!