Second guessing myself

[5xdisneyfans]

I am new back to running this year and have been taking it slow and consistent since I suffer from chronic pain. I did two 5k’s this year and my first 10k in 6 weeks. I signed up for SS challenge which we be my first challenge. I find myself second guessing myself a lot. I am consistent with my workouts but second guess my ability to be able to do this. Is this a normal thing for never doing a challenge before? I am so worried by the third day a won’t be able to finish or stay ahead of the balloon ladies. I plan to follow the RunDisney training for it so it will have back to back runs in my plan. Some days the nerves get the best of me. Anyone else?

 

[GuinnessRunner]

I would say you are experiencing what most of us have gone through at one time or another and is definately part of the experience. Part of what makes the challenges great is the unknown, but it's also what can make them scary (as all big goals should be). Even though I have now done a bunch, I will say that I still worry if I will be able to complete the next one!

Trust your training and you will do fine. But also be realistic. It sounds like you have some challenges outside of the usual running concerns and that may mean that something happens that might delay you from completing your challenge goal this year. If it happens, it happens (not to downplay the dissapointment if it does). Control what you can and give yourself grace if something does come up along the way. You've got this and there's a great community here to help you along the way if you need it!

 

[nancipants]

I am new back to running this year and have been taking it slow and consistent since I suffer from chronic pain. I did two 5k’s this year and my first 10k in 6 weeks. I signed up for SS challenge which we be my first challenge. I find myself second guessing myself a lot. I am consistent with my workouts but second guess my ability to be able to do this. Is this a normal thing for never doing a challenge before? I am so worried by the third day a won’t be able to finish or stay ahead of the balloon ladies. I plan to follow the RunDisney training for it so it will have back to back runs in my plan. Some days the nerves get the best of me. Anyone else?

I have been extremely nervous before all new distances - my first 10k race, my first half marathon, my first marathon, my first challenge (10k and half). I did the training and completed them all! The only one I wasn't completely sure I could finish was the marathon, but I did, albeit very slowly. Take it easy on the first two races. Walk the 5k, run/walk balloon lady pace (or slower, depending on when you start) for the 10k. For the 10 miler, you can run with one of the pace groups and that will help you take the race nice and steady. Utilize the run/walk method in training and races as that will help with your chronic pain and prevent injuries. You can do it!

 

[rick1zoo2]

Your feelings are absolutely normal. My wife and I started running about 2 years ago August (she made me!) and we signed up for the 2024 Springtime Surprise Challenge and 5k before we were really in shape. We did a few local races (5k, 10k) that fall, probably trained too hard, I know I always tried to go to fast. I developed some pains that I still deal with. We did ok with the SS races, completed them, and learned quite a lot. We used a run/walk routine to complete the 10k and 10 mile. Since then we have learned a ton about training correctly - the biggest thing was to slow down and do most (80%) runs at a slow pace, this really helped with endurance and being able to go the longer distances. Since that SS (2024), we have done all of the WDW races, all distances, completing all but the Marathon, because my wife tripped on a traffic cone, fell and broke her wrist at about mile 20. I'd like to think that we would have finished the marathon, but it is now our main goal - to complete the Dopey Challenge this time (and yes, we have a lot of nervousness about that!).

The weekend challenges do seem daunting, but one thing I noticed about the Disney races is the unbelievable atmosphere of being there with all the other runners, sharing that experience, and all of the things on the courses - characters, music, gospel choir!, etc. It gives an extra lift of confidence. You never feel alone. The best feeling is going around the final corner, seeing the finish, then getting there - feels like winning the Olympics!

Another thing that has helped a lot is the community of people here on the boards, sharing their experiences, advice and encouragement.

I am sure that you can do it.

 

[The Expert]

I am new back to running this year and have been taking it slow and consistent since I suffer from chronic pain. I did two 5k’s this year and my first 10k in 6 weeks. I signed up for SS challenge which we be my first challenge. I find myself second guessing myself a lot. I am consistent with my workouts but second guess my ability to be able to do this. Is this a normal thing for never doing a challenge before? I am so worried by the third day a won’t be able to finish or stay ahead of the balloon ladies. I plan to follow the RunDisney training for it so it will have back to back runs in my plan. Some days the nerves get the best of me. Anyone else?

As you can see, this is a very common thought! The best thing you can do right now is follow the training and get used to what those back-to-back runs feel like on tired legs. It will make it easier, but that's not to say it is easy. But you'll know what to expect and your body will know what to do. As you get to those longer training runs remember to train your brain as well! Try different strategies to chunk up the time and miles. Come up with a mantra or two, or a game to distract yourself. And at rD you can always find friendly fellow runners around you on the course and strike up a conversation.

 

[Dopey 2020]

I am new back to running this year and have been taking it slow and consistent since I suffer from chronic pain. I did two 5k’s this year and my first 10k in 6 weeks. I signed up for SS challenge which we be my first challenge. I find myself second guessing myself a lot. I am consistent with my workouts but second guess my ability to be able to do this. Is this a normal thing for never doing a challenge before? I am so worried by the third day a won’t be able to finish or stay ahead of the balloon ladies. I plan to follow the RunDisney training for it so it will have back to back runs in my plan. Some days the nerves get the best of me. Anyone else?

Absolutely, completely normal. Stick to your plan. One day at a time training. One step at a time equals one mile at a time on race day. You’ve got this.

 

[Mr_Incr3dible]

What everyone else has said, especially with regards to taking a very easy pace for the initial races, and let me add this: one of the nice things about rD races is that with the parks and the "big" photo stops (like the castle) the races become a series of 5Ks and 10Ks broken up by the parks and big photo stops. So definitely train, especially using the RWR method, and use the parks and character photo ops as de facto rest breaks that will allow to you keep going and finish. FWIW, I was worried about the balloon ladies and possibly being swept for my first rD event. I never saw them.
So keep training, keep doing 5Ks and 10Ks, and you'll be prepared for SS.
YMMV