Back to Running

So it has been almost two weeks since I have gone for a run. I ran 3 miles the day after AFC and then took some time off. I did not exercise last week and I started doing the elliptical Sunday. I really miss running and I was planning on starting back up Sunday. My coach texted me that I can run tomorrow if I could fit it into my schedule. Of course I can!!!

These last two weeks have been nice, but I am more than ready to run again. I have been able to catch up on sleep, spend more time with my husband, and relax. I am an early morning runner (out the door before 4 am) which means early bed time (8:00). I was able to stay up late with my husband and watch  four seasons of Breaking Bad. Great show by the way. I know it was important to take time off and let my body rest. Taking this time has been a struggle for me and I can't wait to start training again. Here are some pictures from the past two weeks:

Drinks in San Diego

Vanessa

Vanessa & Brooklyn grocery shopping with me. Vanessa cried most of the time. Fun times!!

Playing with their cousin Brandon.



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Race Schedule

I signed up for my first marathon! I will be running the Phoenix Marathon March 2. I am going to start my training cycle next week. My coach is going to be writing me a training program and  I am totally excited about this challenge.  I am signing up for these races also leading up to my marathon:

Moon Valley Grasshopper 5k Sept 29
3TV Phoenix Half Marathon Nov 4
Mesa Turkey Trot 10k Nov 22
Runners Den/Fiesta Bowl Half MarathonDec 2
PF Changs Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Jan 20
Phoenix Marathon Full Marathon March 2

I am hoping that running these races with a fun, relaxed attitude will help my race day nerves. I am taking two weeks off running since my last half. My legs and body should be fresh starting training and though it was hard taking the time off of running, I know it is good for me. My goal for the Phoenix Marathon is just to finish and have a great time.

Race Anxiety

   

    I have race anxiety and I don't know what to do about it. I love training for upcoming races. I love pushing myself, testing my limits. Everything goes well with training and I expect it to translate into having a great race. But that has not been the case. The morning of a race I start to get really nervous, butterflies in my stomach. I am a ball of nerves and the excitement starts about 30 min prior to a race. I think I work myself up so bad that when I start a race I just can't handle it. I have raced a bunch, but I have only had a few good races. It is hard being in the moment and physically and mentally breaking down. In my last half just a week ago I developed a stitch only 1/2 mile into the race. It lasted the whole race. I think that I had created so much anxiety that the stitch was my body's way of dealing with it.

    I am not sure if I am just afraid of the pain or afraid of failure. I put a lot of time and effort into my running, which I think makes me put a lot of pressure on results. I need to take a step back from being so intense about running. I started running to get into shape. After running for a weeks, I truly came to love it. I need to remember to have fun during a race, not just with training. At the end of the day does my race time really matter? Am I trying to be an Olympian? No! I just need to relax and learn how to channel my race day nerves into race day fun and excitement.

Here are some tips from Running Times that help runners deal with race anxiety:

1. Don't Dwell: Try not to think about the race too much ahead of time. Try to redirect your thoughts towards something else until race day

2. Relax: You need to feel calm on race day because high excitement rattles you. Breathe deep, relax your body and compose yourself. Warm up before the race with jogging and stretching.

3. Cut the Cord: Try not to have too many pre-race calculations. Don't think. Just run.

4.Accept or Eliminate Pressure: Lower expectations to take the pressure off. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

5. Have Fun: Racing is supposed to be fun.

6. Be Mindful: When you recognize your negative emotions, they start to weaken. When we are mindful of our positive emotions, they strengthen.

7. Think Young: With a younger mindset, realize you have nothing to loose and everything to gain.

I have a new training cycle coming up and I am hoping to implement these tips into my races.