Migraines and The Big Half

[Langley-Loper]

Not sure if this should be here or in the migraine group...

Sunday is The Big Half. This is my first massive event and last week I said I was excited and terrified in equal measures. Oh how the pendulum has swung!

1. Race pack arrived. Pink South Wave E. I am not with any of my friends and the organisers won't let me change.

2. I had an emotionally tough weekend with aging frail parents and thinking I had lost my daughter at parkrun (they didn't die and I found her).

3. Day off work Monday - yippee! Not one but two migraines - boo. Kept them at bay with drugs.

4. Back to work Tuesday. Stinking migraine at lunchtime after a really gentle short run, the full works with aura, numbness, pain, drugs failed dismally.

5. Now totally terrified.

Suggestions to myself:

1. Stop worrying.

2. Do so much prep I know everything inside out. Book the train ticket in advance. Fill up the hydration vest the night before. Check the long range forecast and get clothes out the night before. Agree a post run meeting place. Work out how to get home afterwards.

3. Take so much immodium on the day there is no danger of Crohns surprises for a week.

4. Go for a run Thursday to reassure myself I can run without blowing up.

5. Remember I am meant to be enjoying this.

Did I miss anything important?

[Irish-John Marathon]

You have done what you can, and its a lot :)The rest is in the lap of the running gods so enjoy the event - just by being able to enter it makes you a Runner. And running it under the conditions you will be - in my book, that makes you a Winner.

Best wishes Pal, we will be cheering for you here

[Cmoi Marathon]

Yes, you forgot that you're fabulous Langley-Loper !

I can totally empathise with the "terrified" thing, but you've got us all supporting you. I'm sending anti-migraine vibes as well as Happy Running ones!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Also sending you very best wishes! these things are stressful enough without our bodies finding extra ways to trip us up! Maybe add in a bit of relaxation or meditation in your prep, and lots of sleep too! Good luck.

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

ah sending good wishes to you... love your suggestions to yourself. I'm a right worry head!! so know where u r coming from a bit. try and relax a bit if you can . good luck

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

You are usually allowed to move to a wave further back - could your friend/friends move back to start with you? The info here says they can btw

thebighalf.co.uk/help/can-i...

If it’s any consolation, many of us experience these nerves before a big event - but when you get there I am sure you will love it! 🤞 Really good luck - I hope all goes well for you!😀

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Sadly you can't move from North to South and even though I read that I asked anyway, but the organisers still said no. No exceptions! I have however been told that the sister of a friend is in my wave. I have never met her, I'm sure she'll be easy to spot among the hundreds 😄

[nowster Metric Marathon]

All I can say is: keep well and the best of luck.

[sparky66 Half Marathon]

You got this 👍

Good luck, enjoy meeting your friends post run 🎉

[Week7 Half Marathon]

I have just read your post and totally get how you are feeling. I have my first live HM next month and am getting jittery already .

Look at it like this-getting worried and stressed now means that by the time race day arrives you will have used up your worry allowance for the week and will be able to get out and enjoy your day.

Will be looking out for your "look at me I did The Big Half post " on Sunday/Monday!

Best of luck .

[Langley-Loper Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

I can't use the excuse of my first organised HM but it is a big one! You get your faffing done and out of the way too!!

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to Langley-Loper]

Will do!!Have fun 🏃‍♀️