I am really nervous about running the Toronto Marathon this Sunday. Let me rephrase that – I AM FREAKING. I have every doubt, fear, and have zero confidence at the moment. This happens to me before every race so I should be use to it. But I’m not. I have done 3 half marathons and before each race, I am a wreck. Go figure.
I seriously did not think I was going to register today, but I am going to. I decided last nite (nothing like waiting to the last minute) after reading some positive comments from my facebook friends. I seem to always resister the day of the expo, but that’s because I want to see what the weather is like (ok ok..I’m a bit of a princess). Guess what? It’s going to be 16 degrees and sunny on Sunday. Talk about “Perfect Conditions”.
So let’s review why I am so nervous:
1. I have only been training on a treadmill.. It’s weird – I know. I did not go out for a run once outdoors.
2. My longest run has only been 9 miles. I am hoping praying, that the rest is all mental.
3. I am registering late, so it will cost me $105 to participate. This is a problem, as I can think of a few restaurants I could go to with this money.
4. I am SLOW…REALLY SLOW. In fact with each race, I get slower and slower – so why am I doing this? (don’t answer).
I have resolved to do the following things to help me on Sunday:
1. I am NOT going to wear a watch. I am just going to shuffle my way thru the 21 km and just enjoy the moment.
2. I am going to celebrate this accomplishment and go to Poutini’s on Sunday nite. It’s about the only thing I will be able to afford!!
3. I am going to try and repeat this mantra throughout the race “one step at a time…one step at a time” and “you can do this…you can do this”.
Happy to hear from any of my readers with words of encouragement. These comments really do help me.
P.S. after this race…I am going to cross train for the next few months and get ready for a Sprint Triathlon. I didn’t do one last year and I really missed it. I know I will go thru the same “pre-race” jitters but for some reason I am less of a wreck. Except for the swim part. Stay tuned for a similar blog post.
Wish me luck.
so proud of you girl! You’re Almost There!
Thanks Esther for your kind words of encouragement. I completed the race and just “enjoyed the moment”. It worked.
I just read your post and I totally sympathize with you, but don’t worry, you’ll be fine! Just remember, it’s only a couple of hours out of your day and you’ve finished before.
Good luck!
thanks Lorrie. The race is now over and I took your words of advice and tried not to worry. Before I knew it..it was over and I was headed to Body Blitz to celebrate with water therapy.
Good luck- have a great race!!! (And you CAN do this !!)
Go for it! My mantra is, “Don’t stop. Don’t stop. Keep running. Just keep running.” It’s gotten me through 4 toronto marathons and one Boston. Never give up. Best of luck! I’ll see you at the finish line. I’m bib #49 this year. I’ll be the one surrounded by wife and three kids.
Hey Michael. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I am thrilled that I decided to register for the race and get over my “nerves”. It was a spectacular day and I loved the new route (i.e this year we didnt have to run UP university at the END of the race”. Hope you had a good run too.
You will do great! Don’t think about time – just think about the fact you are doing it while most people are on their couches. I did the Island Girl half last September and was so nervous! But I did it and it was awesome. I’m not running now because I’m 6 months pregnant but I will be doing it next year! So more power to you – you’ll do great.
Well good for you. Welcome to a special club, you are now part of the 1%, not the US politics 1%, the 1% of the population that ever does a marathon.
I often said runners are crazy for doing this, and there is no justification for self abuse like this, make absolutely no sense to do this. NONE!
AND…. Having done a marathon, I can tell you with great certainty that:
It is every thing you expect and worse 🙂
So is it worth it? well you have to cross that finish line to find out 🙂 It certainly was for me.
But no matter what, now that you started, you must finish, no matter how painful it gets, just remember. Pain is temporary, Quitting is forever. SO DON’T QUIT, Enjoy the training and enjoy the run