Too much time to think

[Realfoodieclub]

Too much time to think

As I sit trying to working I am mentally getting myself ready for my first half marathon on Sunday I realise so many things are going through my head. It started about three o'clock this morning.

I woke up and my brain set into action. Thinking about the travel, breakfast, nerves, when to go to the loo and the start of the event. ( I always say event as I haven't a competitive bone in my body)

That part of the thought process was fine, it's just sorting out details so I feel prepared. I did it for my run 3 week 5, (that run took me quite a few attempts before I completed it) I did it for my graduation run, my fist 5km, my first 10k, my first 14 km and finally my first 17 km. I still remember these runs like they were yesterday. My running milestones. I have a feeling they will stay with me forever. It's not the distance that makes them special it's the fact I prepared and worked for them. I earned them, the lovely thing about going through the c25k program is it teaches you to respect and acknowledge these milestones. All through my journey with running I have kept the ethos that the program has inspired in me. That feeling that just sometimes to push past that comfort zone and see where I would end up. And here I am two days away from 21.1 km run.

The things that stick in my mind about my journey.

Training has to suit you and fit in with your life - I chose a plan with only 2 runs week because I like to cross train.

Food is very important as your distances increase - I crashed and burned early on after my first 10km because my calorie intake was not sufficient.

Training plans are great but if it starts to feel like it isn't fun take a break from it and find your feet again. I treated myself to a fun run a few weeks ago as I was just desperate to have a break from it.

I love training for an event. Something I never would of thought I would have found my feet with.

Pros

Heading into my 50th year next year I feel fitter and healthier than I ever have

My Arthritis doesn't hurt as much when I keep moving

I use food for fuel and have a healthier approach to eating

I drink a lot less alcohol

Cons

I can worry too much about my pace and speed taking enjoyment away from my running

I can forget to rest leading to little niggles

I can talk non stop about running (good and bad I suppose)

So whereever you are in your journey make sure it's yours and it's going the way you want it to go. Running is at it's best when your doing it for you.

Happy running all.

If anyone is around Hackney on Sunday and you see a very beetroot faced person running with the number

5394

Please give me a wave.

[Pigivi]

Well said RFC, best of luck for Sunday! I'll be going for a long (not HM distance though, my dog does not like that at all!!!) slow run that day for moral support. XXX

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Pigivi]

Thank you. Enjoy your slow run.

[Hidden]

What a great post ! Huge respect to you for giving the HM a go and the very best of luck for Sunday. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I'm trying to think of it as just another long run. Hehe fool the brain.

[aliboo70]

good luck RFC! I'm a worrier so i can appreciate where you're coming from! sounds to me like you've trained hard for this event and will really enjoy it! can't wait to see a triumphant picture/medal/report on sunday, have faith in your abilities, we are all rooting for you! definite reason for choccy cake baking to reward yourself i reckon!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you. Enjoy your mammoth walk. And yes I think cake will probably feature at the end,

[AncientMum Graduate]

Great post RFC. Worriers of the world unite! I'm a terrible worrier too, but at least it shows we're passionate and we care.

Very best of luck with the Hackney Half. My friend is running too and, if I can get there, I'll definitely give you a massive cheer.

Actually, here's massive cheer to be going on with: YAY! YAY! HURRAY! HURRAH! GO RFC! GO YOU! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! xxx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thank you. Wish your friend well, I hope they have fun.

[Noaky12 Graduate]

As stated in a previous post I am in awe of anyone who can even consider running such a distance, never mind complete it. (I'm worried enough about attempting my first Parkrun!!)

I kneel down to you for effort alone & I will bend even lower when we receive your post event update.

I can only wish you the best of luck on the day! You will do it! ☺

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Noaky12]

Thank you. I never thought I would be doing this when I started the program. im still slow and steady.

[juju656]

What a fantastic post, RESPECT to you, as others have said in in total awe of anyone doing these kind of distances. You are a shining ( even if that's red faced) beacon of hope to us run/walking our way behind you and again it's been said but, you worry because you care so much and I think that's brilliant x I hope you have a fab day, and another happy memory to keep with you forever more x

Can't wait to read all about it!!

I'll be running w5 run2 in moral support!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to juju656]

Thank you. Oh yes I am going to be very red faced. Hehe non of this serenely wafting past the finish line. I have my own style.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Great post. So exciting that all the hard work and preparation is about to pay off. Good luck

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

Thank you. I never would of imagined that it's the hard work I love the best.

[misswobble Graduate]

I shall be thinking of you and of Aliboo on her long yomp across the IOW. I will be with you in spirit as I have a race too, a more modest distance than you though☺

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you. Good luck with your event. It may be a smaller distance but respect to you, you have already conquered this one and done it really well.

[no-excuse Graduate]

A lovely post RFC and many can identify with your feelings, comments, worries etc, I am sure. Have a fantastic run and enjoy your day, you are so right, we must enjoy what we are doing. Wish I could be in Hackney to cheer you on, but sadly I won't be able to make it. I will be cheering you along in my head and looking forward to your event report. Enjoy! x

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to no-excuse]

Thank you. Your right, In between everything going on in my head the main thing I want from tomorrow is to enjoy it.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Lovely thoughts RFC! Good luck for Sunday. Another milestone on your running. Journey!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you. I think this might be the last longest distance milestone for a while, I will have to find new ones to aim for.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Wise words - I hope you enjoy your run on Sunday.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thank you very much.

[dagshar Graduate]

Haha - your cons could have been written by me! A very long way away from all your accomplishments (and with an extra year before the big 5), but hoping to get through a few events (I agree that sounds better, especially for me who is still not that fit and still feels very slow) over the next 12 months.

It's great to ready about the journey others have completed!

Good luck on Sunday!

PS: What was the running plan with two runs per week?

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to dagshar]

Thank you. Being slow takes nothing away from accomplishments, trust me I am one of the slowest runners on this forum. I used the Asics plan and it gives you the chance to change the amount of running days a week.

[poppypug Graduate]

What a brilliant post, RFC !

You've done all the preparation , I hope you have a brilliant day and looking forward to reading the report.

All the very best of luck to you , will be thinking of you xxx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you. I am sure one of the things that will keep me going it mentally writing my report as I go round.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

You are not alone! Your experience is very similar to my own. I don't know about you, but every single itch, every single ache this week has felt like a major problem waiting to strike! Nevertheless. I'm confident that you'll get round. The course looks good, the whether forecast is warm, but not too warm and you've put in the hard yards.

Hang it all, you deserve a great race!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Rob_and_his_westie]

24 hours now........ You know your right my arthritis has been a bugger these last few days I feel like I can hardly walk. I know it will go tomorrow but it is strange how it does that. Good luck have a great day and most of all enjoy it.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

That's all the encouragement I need. Compared to that, my minor niggles pale into insignificance. Come on RFC, let's take Hackney!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

What a wonderful blog. Those words ring so true for me too and you describe it beautifully. You know we will all be right behind you on Sunday ...and I will be Panthering right behind you pushing you on and shouting,'push that body, punish that body,' till then- stay calm and collected and don't forget to breathe......

[ju-ju- Graduate]

What a gorgeous post, and your words ring true for me too. We will all be right behind you on Sunday pushing you on...I will be right behind you Panthering along shouting,'push that body, punish that body,'... Until then, try to stay calm and breathe.......

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you so much. I promise I will listen to those wise words as I go round, I have one that pops into my head when things get really bad but I'm hoping I won't have to pull that one out. " failure is not an option". I have used it in the past. And definetly I will try and stay calm and enjoy it. There will only ever be one 1st HM so I have to make sure it's a good memory.

[Lovefood1984 Graduate]

Wishing you all the best for Sunday, you've done the work, you'll do great! Looking forward to drooling over your bling

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Lovefood1984]

Thank you. I must admit I am starting to really like bling.

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

Great post RFC. I am not a worrier myself and tend to take the "what's the worst that can happen?" point of view.

I am sure you will be fine on Sunday - all the best.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Dunder2004]

Thank you and your right the worst is that I have to walk it all but that's no so bad it's still A HM. But I am sure my training will kick in.

[AndyD Graduate]

All the best, I'm sure that your HM will go well. We all look forward to reading the post-run report. Much respect

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to AndyD]

Thank you

[Pollynorris Graduate]

Very well well said RFC and good luck. Enjoy your HM, it's an amazing feeling!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Pollynorris]

Thank you. I'm sure I'm going to love the buzz all day tomorrow.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Great post RFC and I so get it as I tend to think too much too. But you're doing it for you so you'll be great tomorrow. You've put in the training and you've got all of us behind you. It'll be such a memory making experience and I can't wait to read all about it.

All the best and I'll be thinking of you. I've got my first 10K race and you'll spur me on. xxx

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

Good luck RFC xxx