This weekend marks my longest distance yet - 16 miles. 16 miles!?! How in the world am I ever going to be able to run that far? I've never run longer than 2 1/2 hours at one time, but 16 miles?!? We're talking about 3 solid hours of running! I'm just not sure if I'm cut out for this. What if I can't do it? My mind is really freaking out right now and I don't know what to do to calm it down. When I woke up this morning I was so exhausted even though I got close to 9 hours of sleep (although it was interupted several during the night due to barking dogs and drunk Hubby). I thought to Saturday morning and started wondering how I'm going to be able to get out of bed at 3am to run 16 miles. How?! Do I drug myself the night before? Do I sleep only the minimum tonight so that I'm exahusted at 6pm tomorrow?
I don't think I was ever this nervous or worried about any of my miles leading up to my first half marathon. I'm freaking out over what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat. How many GUs to pack with me? Do I need to carry a sandwich or something in case I get hungry while running (which of course I will because I'm always hungry after 10 miles)? I think I really just need something to take my mind off of Saturday and bring me back to the present. I mean, I'm as prepared as I can be I think. I've got an ample supply of gels, chews and granola bars. The fridge is stocked with English muffins and peanut butter (my favorite pre-run meal). I've got gatorade in the cabinet and my water bottles are all clean. My running clothes are even washed and laid out already. And it's only Thursday!
But, to get off the subject of Saturday, I do have something new to share. New kicks! I went against what has been working for me for my last 3 pairs of running shoes (Asics) and bought a pair of Brooks.
Aren't they lovely? These are the Adrenaline GTS 10 and I'm in love. Not to say anything bad about the Asics because I still love them too. Of course, I won't be running 16 miles in these this weekend, but I have been taking them out on my weekday runs. The more I run in them, the more I like them. I haven't done any more than 4 miles in them yet, but am excited to get them worn in and try out a long run in them. I'm totally becoming an all-Brooks girl. My favorite shorts and shirts to run in are all Brooks. I guess it was only a matter of time until I tried the shoes. :)
You're going to be great! It's good that you're thinking about it this much! Maybe try and focus your energy on the run itself, picture yourself at each mile and think about when you'll need to take a GU, etc. Try visualizing the run so you feel more prepared for it. And my trick to getting through long runs is to think...ok well once I get to Mile X, I've DONE THIS BEFORE. So if you're longest run has been 13 miles, once you get to Mile 3, you've done it before!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read about it!
Good luck. You will do a fantastic job. Love the shoes. Keep us updated!
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