I have the one month jitters.
And lots of regrets.
Why did I think I could run 6.2 miles after not running seriously, for, really ever? I only started seriously running last April. I feel like I can run a 5K no problem, but dear God a 10K seems so daunting.
Well, I do know it’s humanly possible for me to run 6.2 miles, as I did last weekend—on the treadmill with a time of 79:00, and I only stopped twice to walk! (Which is a big deal for me haha.) But I’m already beating myself up so much. I won’t be able to do it. I’m going to have to walk more than I want. The course is hilly, and I hate hills. My time is going to be horrible.
I know in the back of my mind that this is my first 10K, and I should just be excited that I’m doing it and be happy with whatever my time is. This is one of the popular road races in the area, and I tweeted this last summer, two days after I ran my first 5K:
What was I thinking?
I’ve been trying to exercise three times a week, whether it’s running or riding the stationary bike in my basement. It’s been cold/snowy/rainy outside, so I’m using that as an excuse, but I know I have to be prepared for cold temperatures on race day. Maybe this weekend I’ll get out, or next weekend. Plus I probably should run at least one to two more 10Ks before the race.
But I need to look at how far I’ve come. This time last year I could run a mile. Now I regularly run three to four miles. I’m trying to work on my stopping to walk in between miles, even if it’s just a tenth of a mile.
I’m going to get a running belt before the race to hold all of my stuff. My friend who’s going to cheer me on is walking over with some of her friends and her dogs, so I’ll most likely be arriving at the race by myself. I don’t think there’s a bag drop-off/locker situation, so I’ll have to carry everything I need on myself. I think that’s one of the things causing my anxiety. ~5,000 people run this race, and there are that many and more to spectate. So it’s going to be packed. And I hate crowds.
The race starts at 1:00 p.m., and you can pick up your bib the day before from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or you can get it 9:00 a.m. to noon on race day. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet. Realistically, to calm some of my anxiety, I might go the day before, so it’s one less thing I have to worry about the day of the race, and I can also scope out the area. I’ve been in the downtown area once, and I think I was a few streets over from where the race is run, so I’m not all that familiar.
My boss and one of my coworkers run the race, so I know I’ll have a bunch of questions for them leading up to the race, like the best places to park, what time I should get there, what to expect, etc.
It’s a St. Patrick’s Day race, and I know the atmosphere will be crazy, both good and bad. I know once I’m running the race I’ll be fine—at least anxiety wise. It’s just the pre-race that’s freaking me out, because after the race, I’ll find my friend and her pups and we’ll probably get a beer or two.
I did buy a green tulle skirt and tall green socks with beer on them from the dollar store to wear during the race. I’ll have to wait until it gets closer to determine my running apparel.
Questions for my running friends (or really anyone if you want to jump in):
- How do you deal with blisters?
- Have you ever gone to a race alone? If so, how do you handle the pre-race waiting/checking in/etc. by yourself?
- What do you normally have with you on race day?
- Best breakfast/snack options?
- HOW DO YOU RUN A 10 AND SURVIVE?!
Strikeouts + Sprinkles 
Eeekkk that’s a lot of emotions! I’m sorry I have no words of advice for you lol but just remember when it’s all over, how accomplished you’re going to feel to be able to say you did it!!
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It was more of a word vomit situation and what happens when my anxiety kicks in. Yay. It’s just the unknown of not ever been in that place before, but I might do a test drive up to where the race is so I’m a little more familiar on race day.
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Oh that’s a great idea! Go and check it out before just to ease some of the stress 😉
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79:00 minutes and walking only twice is good for a first time! And don’t worry too much about the pre-race anxiety… Once you get there, you can just follow the crowd and it usually gets you where you need to be. 😊
To answer your questions:
– Vaseline is your best friend. Works for thighs and sports bra chaffing too.
– I’ve never been to a race alone, but my husband and I run different times so I usually end up on my own. Races are full of friendly fellow runners pumped on endorphins, don’t hesitate to ask for help. 😊
– I carry my phone, headphone, Suunto watch and my asthma inhaler. I also keep a small snack in the car for after. I have a running belt and it holds everything. If you have to wait for a while at the start line, you might want to get a hoodie you can ditch (people in the UK get one from the charity shop beforehand). Bin liners are also good if it’s rainy/snowy.
– Peanut butter on toast, chocolate soy milk and some fruit. I hate bananas but they come highly recommended by other runners!
– You will survive and feel so proud! You’ve come so far already!
Well, that’s a wordy comment! 😂
Best of luck! x
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Yeah, I’ve noticed following crowds tends to work out haha. Okay good to know about the vaseline for chaffing. I had some bad chaffing from wearing shorts while running and have been wearing leggings instead to avoid it because it’s so uncomfortable. I found a running belt on Amazon that had good reviews, so I’ll probably order that one. I use an armband to hold my phone, so I’d have to carry headphones, inhaler, chapstick, and license/cash for post-run beers.
Haha I appreciate the wordy comment! Thanks for the advice! 🙂
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I have “special socks” and since then haven’t gotten as many blisters because they help wick moisture away (and are supposed to prevent against blistering.) I haven’t had any problems since buying the socks. (I got them at a running store.)
I’ve been to many races alone. I love it. I feel most centered — listen to music, find a stretching routine, and lineup with your pace group. It’s definitely not as bad as it seems. I normally only carry my phone and car key (if by myself) in my running pouch. Depending on race length (normally over 10K) I’ll bring some energy gels.
As for my breakfast, I try to stick to something on the lighter side with carbs and protein. So, I’ll have a piece or two of toast with peanut butter or sometimes oatmeal with pb stirred in. (I love pb.) I also always drink 8oz or more of Gatorade AND water before the race. It helps keep me hydrated throughout and prevents migraines for me. Of course, you should drink lots of water days leading up to your race, too.
Side note: I learned last year to carb load in the lunch before my big race, not dinner. It gives your body more time to digest the carbs. 🙂
I’m running a 10K in a few weeks, and I’m definitely not as prepared as I want to be, but it’s the first race of the season! Plenty of time to improve!
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There’s a running store in the town over from me that I might visit to see what they have. I normally wear Puma socks from Costco; they’re a little thicker than regular socks but I also think my issue is that my shoes aren’t tied tight enough.
I might go up to where the race is the weekend before just to scope it out and find a few different parking options so I know where I’m going on the day of the race. Once I’m actually running I’ll be fine; it’s just the pre-race that makes me nervous because there’s going to be so many people.
I always have a water bottle with me, so I’m always drinking water (and always in the bathroom haha). That shouldn’t be an issue for me. And good to know about the carb loading for lunch.
Good luck on your race and thanks for the advice! 🙂
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So proud of you and so excited for you!! I can’t wait to hear how the race goes 🤗
For blisters, I don’t really have a solid answer. To prevent them, I always had this anti chafe stuff (it kind of looks like a deodorant) hahaha.
I have gone to one race alone I’d say. I think getting there early and making sure you have time to get water/take a bathroom break before is important. I was running late and didn’t have time for those things.
On race day, I always just have my iPod shuffle and myself. I wish they still made iPod shuffle’s because they are so light weight and easy to run with. If I have a key or something, I throw in in the little pocket in my running shorts or leggings.
I’d make sure to eat breakfast a couple hours in advance. Oatmeal, peanut butter toast, or a banana with peanut butter have worked well for me in the past.
You are going to do awesome in the 10k. The last time I ran a 10k it was super hilly, but everyone around me was super motivational. I’d say feed off the energy around you and just enjoy the run in general, and you’ll be set!!
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I think my issue the last time I ran was that my shoes weren’t tied tight enough and I could feel my sock sliding. The blisters have pretty much healed so that’s good.
Yeah, I plan on getting there with enough time to spare. Plus early enough to get a decent parking spot haha.
Four of my leggings don’t have the little key pouch 😦 I have two that do, but I like the colors of the other ones haha. Depending on how cold it is, I also have a zip up jacket that has zippered pockets.
Thanks! 🙂 Yeah, I’ve noticed that it’s more fun to run with others and having spectators.
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If it’s your first 10K, have fun, relax, and enjoy it. Unless you are running to win it, there’s no pressure.
I only get blisters here and there after super long runs. Normally I wear Saucony running socks and put Vaseline on my feet before runs and I’m fine.
I go to literally every race alone (with one exception when my friend paced me in last year’s Brooklyn Half). I have no problem with it and literally nobody else will, either! Just focus on doing some warm ups and taking pictures with a phone always helps pass the time for me!
If it’s a 5K or 10K I only carry my phone and my keys. Half marathon, probably a gel or two.
As far as what to eat, it’s so subjective but practice with different things and you’ll find your “thing!” I eat hot oat bran and a friend egg every morning about an hour and a half to two hours before my run. But that’s just my thing.
HAVE FUN!!!
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Uh, not FRIEND egg. Fried egg.
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I’ll have to start using Vaseline on my feet. I might look into getting a new pair of sneakers or better socks.
I definitely want to get some pictures before and after the race. It’s a St. Patrick’s Day race, so it’ll be good for people watching haha.
I’ll have to bring my headphones and inhaler, too. I found a running belt on Amazon that had good reviews that I’ll get soon.
I still have to figure out what time I need to be at the race (I’m assuming at least an hour prior, maybe), so that’ll effect what I eat.
Thanks! 🙂 And thanks for the advice!
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If you’re not checking a bag I bet you don’t need to be there that early! For races near me if I don’t check a bag I show up about 10 minutes before they close the corrals. Although better too early than too late. 🙂
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[…] I don’t want to push myself, especially with my asthma. The second is that there seem to be a lot of unknowns (and although I thought my anxiety was just being anxiety, maybe it was trying to tell me that […]
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