First Ever Real Life Run and it’s a HM - Aaahhhhh Nervous!!

[Daroo]

As it says- I’m doing my first ever real life run, The Antrim Coast Half Marathon, in a couple of weeks time. I’m getting so nervous 😬 Just running with others , people watching and I’m doing it to raise funds for Northern Ireland Air Ambulance so that’s added pressure 😬😬😬😵😵

I’ve never ran any real life runs as I only started C25K last spring. I have done lots of virtual runs and have a few medals and T-shirts but never been with real people in the real world 😵😵

[Comfortnotspeed Marathon]

Replying to wish you every success! I'm in the same boat so to speak so no advice. Great cause to run for although I totally understand why that adds pressure.

You've had an amazing C25K journey! Good luck!

Hope you don't mind if I look out for any tips given here...

😀

[Daroo Half Marathon in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Ta, it’s going to be a bit different running with real people. I have joined a running club and am going tonite for my first run with them - a 5K.. 😬🏃🏽‍♀️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

How exciting. that's what those nerves are - excitement! The other runners, the supporters, the fundraising they are all part of 'race magic' which will motivate you on the day. Just run your race at your pace, ignoring how others have chosen to run theirs (amazing how many folk set off too fast and pay for it later), and you will be fine.There's some tip for being race day ready in this post healthunlocked.com/marathon... and a light hearted look at the pre-race faffage list in this one healthunlocked.com/marathon...

Wishing you the very best of luck, but more than anything wishing you a fabulously enjoyable day!

[Daroo Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks lots :)) yep I’ll keep reminding myself it’s excitement 👌😁🏃🏽‍♀️

[Irish-John Marathon]

It's a new thing for you so its natural to feel nervous :)You are not a "famous Runner" ( yet anyway 😉 ) so don't focus on the truly uncomfortable feeling of being watched - and maybe feeling "judged" by onlookers - reality is, apart from anyone who knows you personally, the crowd will just be seeing another "face" go by

"My Gran runs faster than you" shouted one cheeky little swine at me once. I wish I could have spared the breath to respond with "I know - and she said to look out for you, her favourite little granddaughter..." Which seeing he was a boy would probably have made him obsess about himself rather than random strangers LOL.

It doesn't sound like you are setting out to be in the medals or have your heart set on a PR- so remember you are simply there to enjoy and attain a good run - not a Race If so - remember that, you are NOT racing, just trotting along

One of the last HM's I ran, I didn't feel all that well, hadn't had time to "train properly", the night before turned into a party rather than getting a sensible nights rest etc, I showed up at the Start Line thinking if I made the first 5k that would "satisfy my honour" under the circumstances. So, I took it easy - only "nerves" were would I make 5k - and literally had one if the most satisfying runs, especially HMs, ever

Yes - started off too fast but we do anyway 'cos of the excitment, instinct to keep up with/pass others, adreniline rush, observed by crowds etc and the first mile felt AWFUL...but then training, knowledge, experience and all the good advice I got from here kicked in, I settled down, made the 5k, "may as well keep going for however long" and after 2:40 or thereabouts crossed the finish line with a smile for the camera

Take it slow, steady and enjoy it - its simply another run physically, albeit a long one The distance isn't your enemy - the gremlins are, and you know how to deal with those in whatever way works for you

My "go to" manyra is borrowed from a sign at a Marine Corp race -

"Keep going, the pain is as bad as its going to get and you are still running now!"

Lot of truth in that for me at a certain point every long run LOL.

Wishing you all the best and remember the "Pom Pom Squad" here will be cheering you on every step of the way

[Daroo Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Brill advice - thanks 👍🏻👏🏃🏽‍♀️🤪

[sparky66 Half Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

Great advice 👍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

This HM is on my wish list but I can’t do it this year as it would have got in the way of my training of the Bristol HM ☹️ Hopefully next year 🤞You can tell me all about it.

That coastline is stunning so hopefully that can distract you for a while. Just recall all those GoT characters “doing their stuff” along the way 😱 😂

Someone has posted a video of this route, he did it on his own. I might already have sent it to you but can’t remember. I know I sent it to someone …. If not, then let me know and I’ll attach it.

Linda has given you loads of great advice. I like to get early to events and check out the loos. Don’t drink too much water that morning as you don’t want to run with it gurgling in your tummy. You should be well hydrated from the days before. It’s your race and yours alone. So try to pace yourself and just enjoy the journey 🤗

I love races and everything about them. The faff, the preparation, you can feel the excitement from other runners and spectators and then there’s the electric atmosphere. And of course the feeling when you cross that finish line is worth all the training. The blingy bling is always the icing on the cake. For me anyway 🏅

Good luck, you’ve done the hard work. We’ll be thinking of you 🍀

[Daroo Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks - the Facebook page for the Antrim Coast Half Marathon has amazing videos of the route. It is def such a gorgeous place for a run 🏃🏽‍♀️ ☀️🏃🏽‍♀️

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Daroo]

Antrim coast sounds fantastic. Any race with coast in the title whets my appetite. My coastal HM has bit the dust😫

Enjoy the day. Take in the sights and sounds 😃. Go steady and have fun.

It’ll be a blast 🌊

[Daroo Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks I’m getting nervous now as it’s in 14days time!! But am excited too!

[Cmoi Marathon]

I've only taken part in one very small local event, so I'll just wish you happy running Daroo 👍😀

[sparky66 Half Marathon]

Wow what a distance for your first!But you'll be great it's difficult to keep to your own steady pace , but I'm sure you will be fine..

Great cause.. wishing you every success 💪👏⭐

[Irish-John Marathon]

Enjoy your Running Day out

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irish-John]

A day out by the sea running in a race. Nowt finer I wish I was going 😁🏃‍♀️🌊

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to misswobble]

When this accursed Covid is corraled I hope to revive the Giants Causeway project