Doing the half in Jan for the 1st time- I'm starting to get nervous!

[Hessie628]

Hi everyone! I'm doing my 1st half in Jan and I'm so excited but I'm starting to get really nervous. I sprained my ankle back in May and I had to stay off it until August. Also, I have rheumatoid arthritis so I never really know what kind of day I'll have. I manage to get 3-4 run/jog miles in about 4-5 times a week and I usually walk an extra 1 or 2 on those days. I did 9 miles on Saturday in about 30 degree weather and did it in 1:36. I ran 4.6 miles and walked .8 then ran the rest. I'm really hoping I can finish the race. That's all I want, but I'm still nervous. I'm worried I'll be swept up if I'm walking at the wrong time or if I'll be having a flare up with the arthritis. I'm trying to be positive in that if I can do 9 miles with most of it running then I should be able to do 13.1. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions to avoid the sweep or to help get through the full 13.1 miles? Thanks!
-Jessica

 

[dismagiclover]

You sound like you are doing just fine. If you can do 9 miles in 1:36 then you only need complete the last 4 miles in a little under 2 hours. 2 miles/hour is a pretty leisurely stroll. I wouldn't worry about the sweepers. I think your times are great

 

[liznboys]

Hi Jessica! I agree with Jenny, it sounds like you will have plenty of time!

This will also be my first half, and I go from feeling very positive to feeling pretty discouraged... I tore my Achilles back in August and lost several weeks of running. That was a huge bummer. I was doing really well with gradually increasing my running length before that. So then I got back into it to begin training for the half again. Well, last week I did something to my knee and am losing another week of training right now (hopefully not more!). It feels like my body keeps failing me...

So, I have NO idea what shape I'll be in on race day. And that makes me nervous too.

I wish you the best!!

 

[zakismom]

Jessica, just keep your pace steady and you should do fine. It sounds like you are doing Galloway. Just find what works for you and keep doing it. Don't feel like you can't put in those walk breaks, do it from the beginning and your legs will be fresher. If you keep it up you should be well ahead of the sweepers. Good luck!

 

[cewait]

if you are clipping on at a 14:38 pace for 9 miles you are OK. Keep the race day effort consistant and take you walk breaks as trained.

 

[cyberbox2]

This will also be my first half. I'm a regular runner but mainly stay around the 5 to 10K distances on most runs. 10 miles is the farthest I have ever run, did that a couple weeks ago and did not like how my legs felt afterwards.

Nervous and anxious are two words that describe me right now too!

A little pixie dust and Disney magic will carry us to the finish line

 

[tiberius]

Being nervous is entirely normal, I was nervous last month before starting a half marathon and I had already run numerous races ranging from 5K's to 50K's to a Half-Ironman. Train well and then trust your training to get you through and you should be fine.

 

[Hessie628]

Thanks everyone for the support! I was in a bit of pain today but got 3 miles in. Did it in 33 min which is just a little longer than my usual run/jog pace. After having arthritis since I was a kid I've learned to listen to my body. Just hoping it doesn't tell me to stop before or on Jan 9 Keeping my fingers crossed!

liznboys & cyberbox2- good luck!!!!!!!!!!

Jessica

 

[JoanneNC]

Sounds like you will do great -

 

[goofy57]

You will do just fine. Stick to what you are doing and believe in yourself. I have no doubt the Donald medal will be hung around your neck at the finish.

 

[Hessie628]

Just wanted to share that I did about 11 miles today! I was on a treadmill so it took me a little longer and I did walk the first 1/2 mile to warm up. I also walked a bit after. I know I did the 10.5 miles in 2:09 which isn't too bad. I'm hoping I wont be feeling it tomorrow!!!!!!!!

 

[dismagiclover]

Great job! You'll do fabulous in January

 

[luvsTink]

I am VERY nervous too! Heck, I was nervous yesterday to do the 10 miles on the treadmill.
However, your post gives me great hope for my DD, she is 10 and has active JRA. We have not been able to get it into remission, be we are still trying. Hearing an adult with juvenile onset doing the 1/2 gives me hope that she will not be debilitated. Thanks so much for your efforts! You WILL make it.

Anne

 

[tiberius]

You sound like you are ahead of where I was just before my first 1/2 marathon. You should be fine.