Well my half marathon is this Sunday! I feel sick with nerves, don’t think I’ve run long runs enough, don’t know when to fuel and am doubting my ability to do this!! I don’t know how to set a slow pace to ensure I finish strong! In most of my training runs I fade at the end!!
I know I need to be positive as so much of a longer run is mental but I’m struggling!!!
Help!!! 😬😬😬😬
I can't give you any advice but I would say I think you're suffering from a severe case of pre race nerves! You can definitely do this. The people cheering you on near the end will get you a strong finish.
Thanks nictwit
Don't worry 
Unfortunately it's entirely normal to feel sick with nerves before a race, and especially something like your first half marathon! It is also excitement though!!
Here's the things:
- You've done the training! Feel strong.
- Fuelling is an individual thing, but I'd have a sit down and look at the route map. Figure out roughly how long it will take you to reach each water station (based on your training pace), and think about how this matches up with when you ate on your training runs. I think that having something to eat at or near water stations is a good idea because you can chase it down with some water.
- But having said that, don't worry too much about food during a half marathon, it's not really necessary, it's more a case of preference. If you didn't eat while training, I suggest you may like to have a little something at least during the second half of the race, to pep yourself up a bit.
- Pace: Start off slowly, make sure you can speak while running as this is a good test. If you don't like muttering to yourself, just shout "'Ere we go, 'ere we go, 'ere we go" 
- Try to be calm. Over the next few days do some things you find enjoyable and relaxing, treat yourself. Go for some nice walks to stretch your legs.
It looks like a lovely half marathon, and I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time! Good luck and have fun!!
Thanks roseabi! X
It is entirely normal to have nerves.... this now is all about the mental training you have completed. Breathe, stay calm, make a list and enjoy the day
Thanks Ju-ju x
Hey Lisaloopy9 ....I can’t give you any advice either but I can tell that this is nerves...you are having doubts about your ability but think back to when you signed up for this...you must’ve thought you could do it or you wouldn’t have...of course you can...you KNOW you can...plenty of water the day before..plenty of sleep ....loads of bananas...that’s about all the advice I can give..apart from, stay strong, start off slowly until you find your comfortable pace & stay there, you will NAIL it...we will be all cheering you on, we know you can do it...good luck, I can’t wait for the post run post!!
I think this is just normal pre race nerves x try not to let nerves take over, do plenty that is not running related then go and enjoy your day xx
its normal , if you have trained hard you will run easy x enjoy and a few nerves are good for you you will settle down and get zoned when you start running x
I try and not think about myself at all. I focus on what’s going on around me If the race has lots runners there’s always something going on. Scenery too is a welcome distraction. Do some sight-seeing
I’d take a few soft citrus type sweets just to keep my mouth moist. Haribos are good but don’t overdo them 🙂
Thank you misswobble. X
Remind yourself its just a run. If you find you can't keep running then walk. I imagine you would have done enough training. The HM should be your longest run, otherwise you have probably overtrained.
Yes never ran 13.1! Hope I’ve done enough! Thanks
Most I had run beforehand was 10 miles.
Every single race I've ever done has trumped any training session. You find energy you didn't know you had, especially towards the end. Give it your best shot, enjoy yourself, chat to the marshalls if you need to slow down for a little walk; it'll lift your spirits and help the experience be a good memory for you. Good luck!
Thank you! I’ve only had one other ‘proper’ race and that was 10k so was great fun!
I share the pain this weekend... I think it is normal. I agree with all the suggestion, you got this! you have the training, it is just a matter of going and enjoy the day! Taper is the most irrational but at the same time rational thing to do. you feel nervous because you can't wait to run this great event
But I feel exactly the same and I am running a marathon on Saturday. And today is particularly tough as I am not running (rest day 2 days before???).
good luck and enjoy!!!
Good luck to you too!
Yep this was me before my first hm 2.5 weeks ago! I felt sluggish in tapering and felt that I was struggling with just 5 mile runs! This fuelled my faffage about my ability to run a hm. My training had gone up to 12.2 miles which felt tough. I worried about the sudden warm weather and fuelling/drinking strategy. I also worried about the toilet queues etc before the start. So lots of worries to make me feel like a cat on a hot tin roof. I took the Friday off work to relax. I focused on eating and drinking well for three days before. I worked out on the course map where water stations were and when to take gels. I chose my outfit based on the warmer weather too. Then I made lists of what I wanted to take i.e. water bottle sipping at the start. Tablets, Imodium, hayfever, paracetamol and toilet roll. Some food and drink for afterwards. Sweater and change of clothes/shoes for after. Then I got out my outfit the day before and pinned on the number, put tissues and gels in my pockets so it was all ready to go for the morning. Essentially by being in control of decisions and processes my anxiety dropped. In fact I felt so much calmer on the morning (well until we almost lost our child). Review your training plan and know you have done it all. You can and will find the extra strength on the day.
You've done the training you'll be fine. Get absolutely everything ready the day before and just remember not to head out too fast. Good luck, look forward to hearing how you get on.
Like everyone says, don’t worry, you’ve got this! The nerves are part of the package but so is the excitement that will drive you on the day. We build it up into our head much larger than it is. I just kept telling myself this was one of my long runs with a little extra. I made a list on my phone of things to sort before the race day (like picking up snacks), to the night before (like charging my phone and watch and sorting my race clothes for the weather) to race day itself. Most importantly, once it starts just try to enjoy the moment and take in the atmosphere. You will be great 👍🏼😎
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