It’s RACE WEEK > and How I am Approaching this Race Differently from Every Other Race I’ve Run Before
How is that for a long, run- on title? Sometimes, I just can’t condense my titles down quite enough. So this week is RACE WEEK for me! I am so excited to see what I can do this race. I am running a half marathon on Sunday and super pumped to get out there and see what I can do. This is THE race I’ve been working so hard for. I have been wanting to PR my half marathon distance for a while now and I finally feel like I am ready.
Although, of course, race week I did feel a little tightness in my left leg, but I am doing all I can do to fix that and just praying it can hold off until after race day. This race I am really excited to see what will happen because, I’ve been doing this a lot differently this training cycle. I’ve been incorporating more workouts into my weekly mileage (i.e. running threshold paced runs and tempos) and pushing myself past my comfort zones.
Here are 3 things I’m doing differently this time I’m toeing the start line:
- Having a race plan > honestly, until recently (like my last 5k) I’ve never really had a race plan or strategy. I’ve just kind of gone out there and ran. But, this time I’m writing it out, I’m visualizing it, I’m thinking through all the things I will need to do in order to hit my goal. I know that if I have a plan of HOW to race, I will be much better equipped to actually hit my goals.
- Positive affirmations > this sounds SO lame, but did you know that sports psychologists who work with the TOP athletes (like Olympians) use these strategies? I am saying things to myself like “You can do this Bethany” “You were born for this.” “You are strong.” etc. All leading up to the race to better ready myself for the pain and in turn, manage the pain better.
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Training my mental toughness > kind of going along with the last post, I’ve been really working on building my mental toughness. I’ll be honest, sometimes, it is just easier to stop and take a break even when I know I could go faster or longer. And during those times, it is almost always my brain that has given out and NOT my legs. So, this race, I am NOT giving myself any excuses. I am giving it 110%, using every brain trick I have up my sleeve and just doing it. And embracing the pain. As Jordan Hassay said > “You’re just going to be hurting tremendously, that’s something you’ve got to love as a runner; you’ve got to take pride in that. I was excited to be hurting, and just embracing the pain, embracing the challenge, and just staying calm.”
So here’s to my fourth half marathon this Sunday! I am so excited to get out there and just see what I can do!
Questions of the Day
- Do you have any upcoming races?
- How did you practice building mental strength?
- Do you have any week of racing tips/tricks?