Irrational (?) Race Fears
14 Feb
Hi there and happy Valentine’s Day! I’ve got to head back to school for parent/teacher conferences tonight and as most of you know, Chris works second shift so today is really just a regular ol’ day with some extra chocolate… perfectly fine by me!
**********
It’s hard for me to believe that the Disney Princess Half is just over a week away. Where have the last 5 months gone? As I’m approaching race day, I’ve started to develop quite a few “irrational” fears. Actually, I’d like to believe that they’re irrational, but some of this stuff actually happening isn’t totally outlandish… yikes.
Irrational Fear #1 – We get a snow storm and our flight is canceled/delayed.
My sister and I are flying to Orlando early next Saturday morning; the race is Sunday. We’ve had a few small snows this year, but nothing major. This is what my weather app is telling me for late next week:
I guess a chance of snow on Friday is better than Saturday. I’m also aware that the weather changes nearly every hour so the forecast is nowhere close to definite. However, I have no idea what we’d do if the weather stranded us in PA. Actually, I do know. We’d cry. Yes, we’d definitely cry.
Irrational Fear #2 – I get sick.
I’ve been paranoid about getting the flu since news of this year’s horrible epidemic started spreading. (I’ve never gotten a flu shot!) I have yet to get sick this year. Knock on wood!!! Seriously, not even a bad sore throat or a cough. I’ve had a pesky runny nose for what feels like weeks, but other than that I’m healthy! For some reason I’m convinced I’m going to come down with something awful right before we’re supposed to leave. Must. consume. vitamin. C.
Irrational Fear #3 – The weather is scorching hot during the race.
Obviously, I haven’t been training in warm weather. Looking ahead to race day(clearly, I love an extended forecast!) the low for next Sunday is 53 and the high is 66.
Just to show you how much I know these things can change… when I checked the forecast about a week ago, they were predicting 80*! With things how they stand right now, I’d be good to go. However I wouldn’t mind the 80* for the vacationing portion of our trip!
If you’re a runner, do you get nervous before a race? Calm my fears, people! I’m a worrier by nature, so it’s not surprising to me that I’m starting to freak out a bit.
I’m running the Disney Princess Half as well! I actually live an hour southeast of Orlando and while it’s been hot here lately, we’re getting a cold front starting tomorrow. It shouldn’t be unbearably hot in the morning… especially since the race starts at 5:30 am. I usually run before nine and it’s hardly been above 65 degrees in the morning, even on the really hot days.
I have the same fear of getting sick! Especially since I’ve been looking forward to this for a year!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted..Recommitting to Healthy Living and My New Fitness Best Friends
Glad to hear that Rachel. 50s-60s would be comfortable for me!
I’ve raced in multiple half marathons and two full marathons and I always have race day jitters! It’s completely normal to start freaking out a week before. Just remember how hard you trained and forget about the rest. Everything will work out and it will be one of the coolest accomplishments/experiences of your life.
Good luck!!
Thanks Amanda!
Ahh, I can relate to this. The main reason I haven’t signed up for a half is because of irrational fears! What if it rains? I hate the rain! What if it’s windy? I extra hate the wind! What if I forget to charge my phone and have no music? What if both of my knees break and I fall down a ditch and no one notices? –> totally normal, haha. Don’t worry yourself too much though! You’ve done all that you can that you can CONTROL (training), the rest will fall into place!
Allee @ Griselda Mood recently posted..Beating the Winter Blues with C.
lol I’m REALLY hoping it doesn’t rain!
I hate how random the weather can be! Fingers crossed for that 66 degree day! And I know you’ve put in the work; as long as you get there you will be amazing!
Nikki recently posted..Valentine’s Day!
Good Luck Erica! Don’t worry too much – you will do great! I once saw a sign at a beach house rental that said, “Most of the things you worry about never happen.” And if you think about all the things we worry about, it’s true. So since you’ve been worrying about all this stuff, none of it will happen!
Danielle recently posted..Chocolate Pillows
Thanks Danielle!
Holy cow, I totally remember when you first mentioned your plans to run the half marathon. I cannot believe it’s already NEXT WEEK! Geesh, where has the time gone??
Your gonna rock it girl, I promise <3
Jessie recently posted..Thankful Thursday : Part 2
I know, I can’t believe how quickly the time went!
Totally understand all your fears but everything is going to work out just fine! You are going to rock it no matter what happens.
Katie @ running4cupcakes recently posted..Friday Smiles
Thanks Katie!
I can totally relate! I think all runners get those fears before big races that they’ve been working so hard for. With the heat, I would say to plan ahead. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate in the 24 hours before and take in plenty of water at the water stops. I’m a heavy sweater, so I know the feeling of dehydrating during a race (it happened in my first half when race day was about 30 degrees warmer than anything I trained in). Just continue to rest up and enjoy the taper!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted..Five Things Friday
I’m definitely going to eat as healthy as possible this week and hydrate the ENTIRE week!
Erica….I am NOT a runner – although you could probably figure that out on your own – but I do succumb to irrational fears from time to time. When I do I try to remind myself of all the things that could go RIGHT instead of all the things that could go WRONG! I am also a fairly spiritual gal, so I rely on God to get me through those times as well. You’re going to do great – I remember you told me, you just don’t want to be last!!!!!! Deep breaths!!!!!
Janice @ mmm mmm mmm recently posted..Eating My Words….After Eating Some Seriously Amazing Food
Thanks Janice!!
Wow! I can’t believe that the Half is coming up
It really does seem like you were just posting about how you had signed up for it! I think fears are normal. I hope everything goes well – I’m sure it will. Think happy thoughts 
Wow! I can’t believe that the Half is coming up 
It really does seem like you were just posting about how you had signed up for it! I think fears are normal. I hope everything goes well – I’m sure it will. Think happy thoughts 
I can’t believe it’s coming up so quick too!
Silly girl! All of those are perfectly rational! Just some pre-race jitters…everything will go great, you do amazing and have a great vacation as well, can’t wait to see how it went!
Kristin @ My Mission Impossible recently posted..Finally….A New Recipe!
You will do awesome! Those are all rational fears, I know I am already worried about my first race and it’s not tell the end of March. Just remember that your doing this to have FUN!
Nicole @ Fruit ‘N’ Fitness recently posted..Banana Pancakes
Very true Nicole, thanks!
So excited for you!! I hope to run next year! I live nearby, so I’ll send you lots of positive vibes to cancel out those irrational fears! lol
Jessica @ Prayers and Apples recently posted..Can You Die from a Broken Heart?
lol thanks Jessica!