Pre-half jitters

[Tag49]

So…..it’s now 13 days until I run (I’ll use the term loosely) my first half marathon, and I’m getting the pre-race jitters. Can I do it? Will I cross the finish line? Will I be last? Did I train enough? Will my aches and pains subside in time? Am I bonkers? I’m sure all of this is normal, but if you have any words of advice or encouragement I’m here for them! 🙌🏻

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

... and breath ... slowly and deeply 😊Yes, it's absolutely normal. Once you cross the start line all those jitters will disappear, you will channel them into the energy and focus you need for the event. I promise. This is how it works!

In the meantime though, you have a challenge on your hands. It is a purely mental challenge and you are more than up to it. Focus on the training you have done. remember the consistency and persistence you have put in, remember that 'race magic' - the whole atmosphere of the event, the people around you - will spur you on unlike any training run you have ever done, and finally remember that we are all here cheering you on.

So what is the event? Let me know here and I will add you to our list, you will get a shout out before the event and you will know that we are all here to support you.

You've done the hard work, you are absolutely normal, you've got this!!! 💪😊

[Tag49 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thanks so much for the encouragement! The event is the Antrim Coast Half Marathon on 28th August.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tag49]

Ooh, another coast event. Lovely!!!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tag49]

You lucky thing! I entered this event too but due to injury and covid earlier this year I’m not ready and so can’t do it. I’m gutted. My race number came yesterday and I felt like crying 😢

But you are doing it!!! I agree with everything that Linda says. This will be such a stunning route, the atmosphere will be electric. The elites are running and it will be televised so extra excitement there 🤗

Nerves are normal before a race but they are fuel and give you a boost of adrenaline, so welcome them, don’t be afraid of them.

Also, don’t forget racing is fun!

Good luck, enjoy it all and I just wish I was there with you 🍀

[Tag49 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks for the well wishes! Sorry you’re not getting to do it this time round 😕 I’ll make an extra effort on your behalf 😉

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tag49]

Oh please do!

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Tag49]

Ooh! That sounds hilly, especially if it's the bit on the north side around Bushmills and Ballycastle. Amazing views, though.

Best of luck. Remember that your time is secondary to lasting the distance. Pace yourself at the start to conserve energy for the end. Don't forget to fuel and drink on the way.

And remember, "Nothing new on race day." You want to be comfortable with what you're wearing and taking with you.

[Tag49 Half Marathon in reply to nowster]

It’s the portion around Larne, Ballygalley. It’s supposed to be one of the flattest and fastest courses. I specifically chose it for its flatness lol and of course the beautiful scenery!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to nowster]

Isn’t there a song about “the Bushmills are staggered” 🤔😀🥃

I’m doing a coastal half next month and it’s going to be fun. I’ve given myself instructions to get out there and enjoy it. That goes for you too 😀👍🏃‍♀️

We can only ever do our best but have fun doing it, if you’ve covered the distance in training then whatever else happens is out of your control. We can only hope the weather will be kind 🙂

Take in the views, sights and sounds and think of us lot cheering you on. Enjoy the cake and bling 🙂. Good luck 👍

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Staggered? It depends on how many glasses of Black Bush you've had. 🤣

[misswobble Marathon in reply to nowster]

It’s Tom Waits “Waltzing Matilda”🎶🎵

[Madge50 Marathon]

Yes to most of the above- maybe the bonkers bit 😂 - there will be some who think you are bonkers - non runners mainly…..this is perfectly normal and happens to all of us, even the most seasoned of runners. (You won’t be last - but even if you were, you’ll still have completed a half marathon your way) oh and the mystery aches and pains that suddenly appear…..I have no idea why but they do 🤷‍♀️…..

The other thing that will happen is kit faffadge…..yes, it’s a thing….you’ll think you’ve got your kit sorted then you’ll doubt yourself……should I change to this top? Should I take that……some of us have been known completely empty out our kit drawer and start again with hours to go…..🤔…(twice)…..I wonder who….😄….

3 things you have to do:

Get to the start line

Get round - however that works for you

Cross the finish line in one piece

That’s it…..but, the main thing is enjoy it, feel the excitement…..take it all in, the atmosphere will be great, you CAN do it, you’ve trained and you’re ready, now is the time to relax and enjoy as linda9389 says, these are mind games, we all get them…..also known as the taper terrors 😱…….

The only thing to stop yourself doing in this couple of weeks is going outside of your plan for ‘just one more run….’ Or ‘a bit more distance….’ Feel confident in where you’ve got to, and the training you’ve done.

Above all, enjoy, You’re going to be great!

Mx

[Tag49 Half Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Thanks for this! This is very helpful 😊

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Tag49]

Further to Madge's comment about faffage - we have a post all about it to help stop it becoming a big thing to worry about healthunlocked.com/marathon... It applies to all events really, so if you're not an event novice you may know all this already 😊

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Madge50]

Oh yeah, I’d forgotten the faffometer angle. Faffometer controls set to max 😁

Best lay your gear out well in advance 😉

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Great advice from all above - and yes, everything you are feeling is normal! Just wanted to wish you all the best - you definitely can do this! 👍💪🙂

[Tag49 Half Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks Sandra!

[Tabbles Half Marathon]

Good luck and enjoy it.🎉

Nothing really to add just don't start to quick as it is easy to get caught up in the excitement. Also check the route to see if there are any sneaky hills. Hopefully not on the coast

Just reading these replies make me realise what a great group this is. 😺

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Tabbles]

I suggest just aiming to run at a comfortable pace.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Not much to add but yes you can do it and the jitters are perfectly normal. Like Linda says, these are mind games. Running is a mental challenge just as much as a physical one. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Yes you absolutely CAN do your HM Tag49! There’s something special about race days - your (completely normal and justifiable) nerves will dissipate and they’ll convert to extra oomph and energy. 👊

Remember to tell us all about it won’t you! I’m racing that same day, but just a 10k this time.

Go HU racers! 🎉🎉🎉

[Irish-John Marathon]

Anyone who has any functioning brain cells is going to be nervous trying something for the first time - including a HM

I only have two pieces of advice Enjoy it! - Take it nice and easy and enjoy it If you are worried about speed - don't be, it's your first HM. Treat it as an exploratory expedition, a fun one - but you are going into uncharted running territory. If you just focus on what is actually going on instead of letting the gremlins tell you what 'might' or 'might not' happen, it will be a tense run and not much of a learning experience when it comes to finding out what does and does not work for you through the distance and time

Second - do you think any less of anyone who might stumble, fall, come very last etc etc in an event? I bet not So - why would you think anyone might you, and why would you do that to you if something beyond your control happens? IF you find yourself starting to worry about how you will, or are, or did, do...keep that in mind

Lastly, while we might run on our own - here on the Forum we run together, and we know only too well what is involved in running so we have your back no matter what happens

Now - go to that HM and have a wonderful time!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Very best of luck! Enjoy it! Yes it's mad but you'll feel so great after it (even if you ache!) Look forward to hearing about it!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I always feel dead giddy at the start. When everyone moves off together en masse it’s just joyous. I love it 🥰