And so the panic begins
There’s alot of embarassing and downright annoying whining and panicking below so just skip over it if you really are bothered by immature behavior like that.
OK, first why the heck did I sign up for the 20K when I’m training for my first marathon? Because I’m a flaming butthead, that’s why. Because I thought “Hey, I can run a 20K and other people are doing it too.”, completely ignoring that I have a 16 miler two days before.
And why didn’t I sign up for the 5K (my favorite race distance ever!)? Because 1) I’m a flaming butthead, and B) because I was AFRAID that if I totally fell apart after running my 16 miles two days before, that my time would look absolutely abysmal (sp?) next to my other 5K’s in my log. Nothing like a little ego to spoil a good race. Jackass.
The bright spot in this outrageous incident of stupidity? The 20K is an auto-PR since its my first. I planned it that way, you know.
I don’t know what to do with the training. I have to make a decision about the 16 miles on Saturday. I can drop back the mileage the week of the race (its a step back week anyway). The 16 itself is no problem (did I really say that?). The 20K race two days later might be. I guess I have to ask myself right now if I could race 20K tomorrow morning (after the 15 yesterday). I’m thinking the answer is no. The Friday and Saturday before are automatic rest days due to driving. Maybe I should run only 10 miles on saturday or something like that. Get some mileage in, but don’t tax the legs too much.
Oh yes and that reminds me, how fast should I be running a 20K? McMillan says (based on my marathon plan) about 8:42 pace. Gosh that seems too fast. I think I ran that in my one and only 10K. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll start there and slow down if I’m tired and fading. Maybe I need to run this at an intelligent 9:40 pace and keep my focus on the marathon.
And then there’s breakfast. Every race I have ever been in, I have had breakfast at home. I can have my Bran Buds and bagel and strawberry rhubarb jam. Now its all going out the window! I don’t see me getting a normal breakfast. I may just have to pack it all with me and make sure I bring some milk for my cereal.
Camera? I’ll want pictures at the race now that I actually know people there. Ofcourse I can’t carry one and my truck will be parked who knows where by the hotel (and I’m really concerned that this hotel was not really the best choice to make here). So no pictures of the race.
And let me tell you the stupidest worry I have: that someone will break into my room and steal my running shoes. I was worried about it in Chicago too. I’m an idiot.
Does anyone else have this much trouble racing far away?
I know. Relax.
August 28th, 2005 23:42
Bring your bagels and Bran Buds. Penguins have a rule “Nothing New on Race Day”.
Don’t worry, someone else will have a small camera tucked away somewhere - ask them to e-mail some to you.
Don’t listen to MacMillan! Yes, you want to do your best, but this 20k is not your priority race, the MARATHON is. This is just a social training run, take it easy. Call it a recovery run from your 16 miler.
Besides, the slower this benchmark is, the more fun it will be to shatter it next year.
August 29th, 2005 01:20
Breathe. You’ll work it out. Bran buds and bagels and all. I’m so excited for you!
August 29th, 2005 02:07
Isn’t 20k close to 12 and 1/2 miles? Why can’t you just skip the 16, run the 20k, and then do a quick 3 additional miles? Is there some reason why the 16 has to be on a *specific* day? Can it not be pushed back a couple of days?
And, I’m very sorry, but that is so funny about thinking somebody would break in to steal your shoes! Are you *looking* for troubles? :)
xoxo
Mia
August 29th, 2005 03:49
Hey Jon come up for some oxygen, don’t worry!! I agree with the bring your breakfast idea, it’s not a good idea to change your diet before a longer race. I was going to say that you could use the 20K as your long run, just add a few miles before and/or after the 20K, but Mia beat me to it;) As far as your pace goes: If you are confident that you can run a fast race and recover in enough time for your next scheduled run, go for it. Otherwise keep your pace down and save wear & tear on the bod.
August 29th, 2005 05:17
Hey,we’ll have cameras, and I promise to email photos to you right away. So stop worrying about that. I could bring some milk for you in my cooler? This is where the word “after” comes in handy, Jon. Think after, and how great you’ll feel.
August 29th, 2005 05:32
I just think you’re very brave racing at all. I’m such a whimp - all I’ve ever done is one lousy 10K race. I hear ya on the breakfast issue - the thing that always (race or no race in sight) worries me the most, is when and how I’m going to get something to eat:)
August 29th, 2005 08:15
You are making me exhausted thinking about all the what if’s. Relax! You may want to sleep with them under your pillow
August 29th, 2005 08:19
I can’t believe you all are doing a 16 mile social run. geez!! listen to how hard core you are! anywhoo, yes, breathe. it will be fine! maybe you can stash a disposable camera at a bag check?
August 29th, 2005 08:57
Jon! We can help you with ANYTHING you need on this end, okay?! I know there will be plenty of cameras there, and we can definitely get you hooked-up with milk for your cereal. I also think you should forgo the thought of “racing” the 20K…or if you decide to skip the 16-miler, I will *definitely* run the extra miles with you after the race to cover the mileage, okay?! Promise :-) Now breathe…this will be fun!
August 29th, 2005 09:12
Yeah. What they all said. And if you want to log the extra miles after the race, I’ll join in too!
Let me know what hotel you are staying at…I’ll let you know if you should worry about sneakers.
(last year, I ran 18 miles on friday then ran the 20k on monday…and i think i counted the race as my long run for that week)
August 29th, 2005 09:31
I would replace the 16 miler with the race, do a mile warm up before and cool down after. You’ll do great. I am having the same breakfast dilema, I think I am going to pack it and bring it with me.
August 29th, 2005 09:46
FWIW, I’m doing 18-ish on Saturday prior to the race on Monday.
But, like Dianna said, I’m game for extra miles afterwards, too, if you need them.
August 29th, 2005 15:52
Wow! problem solved and now all you need to do is bring your bran buds and bagel and maybe the hotel can lock your shoes up in their safe.
August 29th, 2005 21:23
With ALL these friends you’ll have NO problems! All the very best! Wish I could be there too!
August 29th, 2005 21:43
I have run 2 out of town longer races, and I bet that I get even more stressed out/paranoid.In addition to being fixated on finding a decent restaurant for a pre-race dinner, I bring my own stuff including about 4 giant jugs of water, because I have this idea that I am going to get some sort of sickness from the tap water in the hotel. Yeah, pretty bad.
August 29th, 2005 21:52
Jon. Okay; everything is covered except the shoe theives. Answer: sleep with them on your feet. According to my email received from the race today, they’ll have Amtrak baggage handlers running a bag check so you can park a camera, truck keys and water with them!
August 29th, 2005 22:52
Hey Jon! It sounds like everyone’s got your back on this one! Lots of support for you. All you have to do is listen to your instincts and run the distance how it feels best. You’ll do great. It’s just that stupid “voice of self-doubt” at it again. You’re mantra should be “no worries”. Best of luck.
August 30th, 2005 07:20
Hey! You’re just as neurotic as every other runner! I just signed up for my first out of town distance run and when I made my reservations I had the reservation agent put me on hold to call the actual hotel to see if they have toasters. (I gotta have my bagel with peanut butter!!) They don’t so I plan on brining TWO toasters with me. Why not?!?!?
August 30th, 2005 08:30
So yeah, I’m just going to agree with everyone else. Enjoy this race, use it as training and take your time. That way you can still concentrate on the marathon and if you do this race next year, you can be more prepared for it and it will be easy to beat your time!
You’ll be fine! Deep breaths.
August 30th, 2005 11:51
ok… i know its terrible of me to laugh, but its just so great to read about someone else’s ridiculousness!!! (and i mean that in a good way… really, i do!!)
if it makes you feel any better, i’m going to run out of town for the first time this weekend (vacation, not a race) and i’ll be taking my running stuff with me…for the first time… and i’ve already planned a seperate backpack for all of it so i can keep it with me at all times so that it doesnt get lost between here and Austin… i SO dont trust bag-check!!
its fun to be so nuts though… so go out there and have a great race and just dont forget to BREATHE!!!
August 30th, 2005 15:02
Whether its a 5k or a marathon, we all stress out a little before race day. Judging by the advice already given, some of us have found a few solutions. When I went to Tampa, we went grocery shopping to stock up on our fav race day breaky items. We all also put our race day gear & shoes in carry on bags. No trusting your shoes to luggage handler - it could end up in another country. Once there I wore my runners except to sleep…lol. Good luck Jon!!!
August 30th, 2005 21:07
What they all said.
I can only add, if your running shoes smell anything like mine, you have NOTHING to worry about!
I say save your strength for the marathon, but I’m generally a wuss, so listen to the big boys and girls on this one!
And I’ll be rooting for you, so you’d better post a recap immediately!
Good luck!
August 31st, 2005 12:09
If Dianna?s pace doesn?t kill me on the course, I?ll be up for a few extra miles after the race?if you want some company. :) Relax and have fun!