My first long race is tomorrow and I am nervous! I feel prepared (enough) but anything new can be scary. I thought it would be fun to look back at my first race in January 2011 and remember how freaked out I was.
I wrote about my fears, the night before that first 5K. It was pretty standard fare, falling, feeling foolish, being last, and not being able to finish. Pretty similar to how I feel about the upcoming race. Then there were also the fears of the logistics, not knowing where to line up, hoping my D-Tag was on correctly, do I drink the water at the water stops, and assorted other issues that you eventually learn the answers to. (Can you tell that I am a worrier? It might actually be more frantic in my head than I am able to share here.)
Luckily, I loved the race and it made me want to keep running. Finishing that race, even though my time was slow and I walked some of it, was euphoric. I hope that tomorrow’s Miracle Miles will be similar, euphoria and pride for finishing (plus a personal distance record).
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How do you feel the night before a race?
Good luck to you and your upcoming race, the jitters are so common even after many races. Each time you race you get more excited and not as nervous. Your right… everything IS going to be alright!
Tina recently posted..Fitness Friday
Thanks! I know you’re right that the more I do it, the easier it will get.
Dina recently posted..Fears And My First 15K
Good Luck tomorrow. How far are you running?
april@Party of Five
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April recently posted..Fitness Friday: Keeping Hydrated
Thanks! It’s a 15K so 9.3 miles.
Dina recently posted..Fears And My First 15K
Good luck! The night before a race I’m always super worried about oversleeping and forgetting things. By the time I get to the starting line, I usually calm down.
You’re going to do great! Have fun!
Carrie@FamilyFitnessFood.com recently posted..On the Edge of a Cliff
Thanks! I’m sure you’re right. I would probably be better off if I didn’t leave so much to the last minute, like washing my running clothes.
Dina recently posted..Fears And My First 15K
I am the same way. Even though I’ve run several races, I still get nervous every time. EVERY TIME. But it’s good to use that energy for something! Run it out!
Funny you mention not knowing where to line up etc…I am always thinking, “what if I go the wrong way/don’t know where to go/take a wrong turn”? I see myself running along alone in a city, totally going the wrong way. But then I get to the race, and there are tons of staff, all helping the entire way..! It is always fine; it’s only me who is all antsy!
You will do great! 15k!! Congrats and good luck!
Kyria recently posted..Best Time Ever
Thanks!
I totally have the same fear about going the wrong way. I mean, can you imagine? Would be awful.
Dina recently posted..Fears And My First 15K
Wishing you the best on your long race tomorrow! I will look forward to reading your recap. Have fun.
Elle recently posted..Friday Feature… Pumpkin Favorites
Thanks so much!
okay we must be the same person, i wrote about the exact same thing!!
Courtney recently posted..Pre-Race Jitters
Ha ha. That does make me feel less crazy and neurotic though.
Dina recently posted..Fears And My First 15K
good luck! I’m sure you’ll do great!!
Jennifer recently posted..Fit and INstaFRIDAY!
Good luck on your race, I am sure you will do a fantastic job.
New follower through the Friday Fitness hop.
Yes! It’s going to be worth it! You’re going to do great!
I still get butterflies in my stomach before a race. Not so much the night before but as soon as I wake up. The night before I focus [worry] on having everything ready.
Good luck Dina!
jill conyers recently posted..Fitness Friday || Memories of A Marathon
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I was laughing as I read your post because it was as if you had taken the words right out of my mouth!
It’s good to know we all have the same concerns! I’ve done several 5K’s, a couple 10K’s, and my first 15K is in about a month! I feel a little more relaxed after seeing you lay it out and reading the replies you got! Good luck to you!
I’m glad it made you feel better. I survived and you will too. Good luck with your race!
Dina recently posted..Half Marathon Training Week Eight In Review