Half marathon jitters

[Agelesslass]

Only two weeks to go and Im really getting nervous. Run up to eleven miles in training, but my nerves are in tatters already. Any suggestions?

[andystev]

It's just another run, don't over-think it. Go out, run, have fun.

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to andystev]

Thanks for replying, so nervous about it.

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

You have put in a great deal of effort and training. What are you nervous about? As has been said its just another run. If you struggle slow down or walk for a bit.

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks for replying, you are right in what you say, cheers👍👍

[Flyingred 10 Miles]

If you've run eleven then you can definitely run a HM. Just keep ticking over in training and approach the race as just another run. Do what you normally do, aim to finish and don't worry about your time.

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to Flyingred]

Thanks so much, don’t want to fail as come so far since C25k last April. Appreciate your reply 👍👍

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Start slow.. stay slow, relaxed and enjoy the whole experience. ... The last few couple of miles, for many. are the testers... just relax and know you can do it:

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon]

Thanks so much Oldfloss 👍👍

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You will do fine. Eleven miles in training is easily equivalent to 13.1 once you add in a sprinkle of race magic. Use these nerves to keep you focused on your training runs. I find the minute I actually start a race, those nerves disappear and the sense of calm after all the angst is a wonderful thing and a boost in itself at just the right time 🙂. As Oldfloss says, the main thing to concentrate on is starting slow and staying true to your own pace. Good luck 🙂

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks so much for your encouraging reply Linda, really appreciate it😀😀

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to linda9389]

You are so right..once I had got there, and started to absorb everything around me it was great. Once running... no issues... the legs take over...the sights and sounds etc... and although the top of my legs were tired on that last mile.. the support from the onlookers and other runners, the feeling of support from the faceless friends on these forums and the thought of the friends at the finish line... it simply carries you forward.. and even managing to do it with style!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Exactly what I found - you've come so far and you aren't alone - you aren't giving up!

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

Trust your training and trust yourself. The nerves can actually be a good thing leading upto the run and as has been said they will go once you start. Try not to set off too fast, although you naturally will! By mile 3 you will have your pace sorted and only have 10 miles to go! You can do it. No time pressures, just run. I visualise crossing the end before I start which helps too. But overall you will do it and have great fun! Best of luck.

[Hidden]

I totally get what you say as I am feeling the same. I have my first marathon on Sunday and have managed 22 miles in training. The last 2 miles my legs felt tired and I can see some psychological strength will be needed. Seeing others complete London didn't help as it adds to the pressure. I felt the same for my hm last year and I completed that after 12 miles in training. The last mile was harder and in unknown territory but I did it! Change the negative thoughts to positive ones. 'I only did 11 miles in training' to I have trained and run 11 miles, I can do the last two. The nerves will go once you start running. Keep it slow and steady, let others run off fast around you as you will pass them later. If you walk a bit, who cares, it doesn't matter. Look at your training and how far you have come. You have trained well, you are fit and you are strong to accomplish this. So use this to fuel your confidence. Get to that start line, relax and get going on your victory parade!

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Your post is very positive and it has given me food for thought, so thank you very much Runfasterdoyle 😀😀

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Agelesslass]

As Runfasterdoyle and others here have said so well, you’ve trained well and can do this. You will both be fabulous in your races. Enjoy the time!

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to Decker]

I’m hoping so Decker, Thankyou so much

[misswobble Marathon]

It’s going to be fun. Its a run 🤷‍♀️ You’ve done lots of them don’t spoil the experience by taking it too seriously. It’s about the freedom of being able to run and enjoy it. That’s why we’re doing it 👍💪🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏅🍰

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to misswobble]

How right you are misswobble, thanks so much 👍👍

[Lordi Marathon]

You've done your training so enjoy the taper period. There's no place more anonymous than running in a big field of fun runners. No one is looking at you, everyone is there for the same reason, everyone gets just as much kudos as the winners (non elite runners maybe even more imho), start off slowly, run slower, save something for the last 5km, don't treat it as "race" just run a long run and smile that you're fit enough to do such a thing. Walk through the water stations to get a good drink and not tip it all over your face! Enjoy yourself!

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon in reply to Lordi]

Thanks so much Lordi, this is all good advice, much appreciated 👍😀