My mind is spinning with pre-race nerves!

I cannot believe the Dallas Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon is just a few days away. I have so many race thoughts: good and bad. Trying to figure out where in the world the last 3+ months of training have gone. It feels like just a few days ago I was committing to the race. I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been for a race and that is scary to me. At the same time I’m more excited than I’ve ever been as well!

Physical Prep

This side of things I’m not very concerned with. I’ve logged over 250 miles in preparation for race day. My heart and lungs are ready for the 13.1 miles. My legs are stronger than they’ve ever been. Instead of all running workouts to get me trained up, I’ve incorporated a balance of heavy and light strength days and actually dedicated a day to solid rest. I’m also convinced that having a trainer (more here!) who understands my goals and has been there to push me and get me outside my comfort zone has been key. Another major bonus has been having a few girlfriends who have helped hold me accountable–long runs are SO MUCH better with a buddy or 2!

Mental Prep

Mentally, I’m not nearly as convinced that I’m ready for this race. I have confidence in my ability to cross the finish line and I have no doubt that I can run the entire course in respectable time. Pending the weather cooperates and no injuries of course. That being said, my goal finish time is feeling a bit lofty. I wasn’t thinking too hard on what my pace needs to be to complete the run under 1 hour 40 minutes. That mid 7:40s/mile average pace seems a bit daunting right now if I’m being totally honest. I was banking on there being a 1:40 pace group but recently found out there is only 1:35 and 1:45. Lord knows this girl isn’t picking the speed demon group! 😉 After talking to a few people, the consensus is start with the 1:45ers.

Overall Vibes

For the past few days I’ve been visualizing myself crossing the finish line and hitting my goal. I know I need to get out of my own head and just enjoy those miles as they tick away. This year I’m running for charity and I want to make THAT my focus. St Jude’s is an absolutely fantastic place for the $500 I’ve raised to go and I’m happy to have hit that fundraising goal! This race is for the kids and I need to keep reminding myself that. I am running on Sunday for those that can’t and may never be able to. My main race thought is FINISH STRONG. Leave some ‘extra’ in the tank to sprint through that finish line. I’m not in control of every aspect of Sunday, I know that. Now I just need to be ok with that because I got this.

Bring it on Dallas, lets do the damn thing. xox