Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Tapering

I have started my taper this week. My mileage has dropped off quite a bit, and to be perfectly honest, it freaks me out. I have gotten so used to higher mileage that doing so few miles is actually really weird. I didn't even run today, and I miss it. In fact, I have not even worked out today. I have foam rolled, stretched, and rested. My legs feel more fresh than they have in weeks, and I am actually aching to move.
I am running a 1/2 this weekend, and I think I am beyond ready physically. The part that is going to be the hardest is the mental battle, which is something I have always dealt with. I grew up running track and cross country, and even won 3rd place in state one year, but I quit doing track because I could not handle the nerves that came at the starting line. Every single time that I toe the line in a race, no matter if it is a marathon or a 5K, that same feeling creeps back in, and the doubt monster creeps in. I have a lot of goals for this race, but the number one goal is to run and gain confidence. I have done this distance a hundred times, and I know I could reach my time goal on a training run, but I need to prove to myself that I can do it during a race.
I am aiming for a sub 2 hour race. That's actually a lie. I really want to run this race in 1:50 or less. As I said before, I know that I am physically capable, but now I just need to whip my mind into shape.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh gosh. seriously, isn't everything mental. i just had a big pep talk with myself about the working thing. I think those feeling you have a good feelings - it means you are a live! Don't let them persuade you any differently. You know - you got this.

and, now I may need to train for a 1/2 too.

Brooke said...

what a goal!!! :) since you know you can do it - then do it already :) if need be just do your best to pretend its just a training run

momto8 said...

what we tell our kids...the mind gives out long before the body!!

penny pincher said...

Amazing that you continue to feel this way no matter how many times you have trained for such a event. Do you need a confidence booster from those that don't truly know you? What does P say? Either way you'll do great!

~Carla~ said...

2 hours... Wow. You inspire me!! Amazing!!

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