So I haven't talked about it much, but I have a half marathon this weekend. On Sunday, I will be participating in the Galesburg Half Marathon Express. This will be my second attempt at a half marathon and I have a lot of thoughts running through my brain.
Will I bonk again?
In my first attempt at a half, I did not reach my goal in large part because my in-race nutrition fell apart. This time I have been training with a fuel belt and I will be wearing it during the race. I have been using a sport drink that has a significant amount of calories and should avoid any low blood sugars. But still I have the fear.
Will it be too hot?
On my first half, the weather was almost ideal for a long run. The temps were around 45 degrees and it was overcast (it rained and hailed after I had finished; I was glad not to be a full marathoner that day!). On Sunday, it could get as hot as 85 degrees. That is not a terrible temp, but it is much hotter than my last attempt. I worry about dehydration. I know that there will be water on the course, but I am just not good at working that into my races yet.
Will I be able to sleep the night before?
Last time, my mind was racing the morning before the race and I had a terrible night's sleep. When it got to race time, I felt fine, but I wonder if a little more sleep would not have helped. Considering that I am writing about how much is on my brain already, I have a feeling that sleep will difficult.
Have I trained enough?
The early part of my training went very well, but the last few weeks I found that I was not getting the miles in that I felt that I needed because family obligations and a lack of motivation got in my way. My eagerness to follow a training regime wanes as the race gets closer. I have been able to rest my legs this week, but I wonder if I have rested too much and I won't have the stamina come Sunday.
Have I been loading too many carbs?
I started taking in more cards around Tuesday and have begum to peak today and tomorrow. Since I don't usually eat too many carbs, I have been getting a bloated feeling. When you add the lack of exercise in favor of rest, I just feel fat and bloated. I am carrying a couple of extra pounds over what I weighed at my last half, and I question if it will be a strain on my performance.
What is my goal time?
I want to beat last year's time of 1:51. I have a safe goal of 1:45, but I would really like to beat 1:41. I get so worked up about how to run a race to meet these goals. I plan to go out running slightly less than 8 minute miles. That may be difficult if I get swept up in the start of the race and my legs feel good from the rest. However, part of my problem last year was that I went out of the gates way too fast. I will have to tone it down a bit at the start. About mile 6 I will begin to evaluate how I feel and hope to pick up the pace until about mile 10. At that point, after evaluating my body, I hope to really pick it up and finish the race strong.
Will I get a poop out before I start racing?
Pooping is a constant concern of mine. All too often I have had to stop training runs to find a restroom. I have to get a good poop out before I start, but if I am nervous I wonder if my body will rebel against me.
As you can see I am very fearful of what this race may hold for me. I hope to calm my nerves and have a good race. Honestly, I just want to have a good time!
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