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Real Talk: Dealing with Fear

February 20, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC19 Comments

This week is “peak week” in my Shamrock Marathon training cycle. Even if you didn’t know that, you might have figured it out based on the fact that I’m eating everything in sight. I’m less than a month away from running my second marathon and I’m gonna be honest: I am starting to get scared a bit nervous. I had an amazing time running Richmond last November, but I completely fell apart at mile 22. I have had a pretty good training cycle this time around and been feeling great…until this week. My runs have gone fine, but all of a sudden I am panicked about my marathon. I’m nervous that I’ll fall apart again. I’m nervous that my time will be awful. I’m nervous that I haven’t done enough speed work. I’m just nervous.

Then I remembered that I had declared that I was going to live boldly this year.

my one word

I remembered that I’ve done more speed work (by far) than I ever did during my first training cycle. I’ve done more long runs (maybe twice as many) and I have much more of a base than I did. I remembered that I’ve run in snow, rain, and frigid temperatures and that I’ve not skipped a long run. I remembered how much mentally stronger I’ve gotten since I stopped running with music. I remembered that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

So while I’m still a bit nervous about the race (and those pre-race jitters won’t dissipate), I’m no longer fearful.

How do you handle fear before a race? 


Comments

  1. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:31 am

    You have put in all the hard work! Just race jitters – I have no doubt you’re going to rock the Shamrock 😉
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Apera Yoga Tote ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 20, 2014 at 9:42 am

      Thank you Michelle — I really appreciate those kind words!

      Reply
  2. Mar @ Mar on the Run! says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:36 am

    just jitters. and remember, YOU’VE DONE THIS BEFORE! you got this and I’ll be there to support you! 🙂 MIND > MATTER
    Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Every Day I’m Shufflin’: Giveaway Wednesday!My Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 20, 2014 at 9:43 am

      Thanks BRF!! It is seriously going to mean SO much to be to see you out there!!!

      Reply
  3. Betsy says

    February 20, 2014 at 11:12 am

    I have to remind myself that I can do everything to train for the race, but when it comes down to the day, it’s going to be what it is. I can’t make it any better, so I attempt to let go and let God handle it. Also your training (or lack of) will show on race day so just have faith that your hard work will bring you through.
    Betsy recently posted…WW: VacationMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 20, 2014 at 12:07 pm

      So true, Besty!

      Reply
  4. Crystal says

    February 20, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    Taking deep breaths! Visualization is a good idea too. Picture yourself having a great race & crossing that finish line! You got this!
    Crystal recently posted…Heather: I am a RunnerMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 20, 2014 at 12:07 pm

      Thank you Crystal! Visualization is a great tip!!

      Reply
  5. Melissa says

    February 20, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    I’m finding this too! (running Shamrock also) Once the calendar clicked over 4wks/1month to go, everything is making me nervous, twitchy. Fighting with gear (gel flasks, water), need more songs for my playlist, hotel choices, maps. I find I am antsy much of the time.

    Highly recommend Sage Rountree’s book Racing Wisely – good tips in there and race planning help, checklists. (there is still time for it to help you if you get it) I’ve read a couple of times and now need to work on the checklists. One of her suggestions is to make a list of your best workouts during training – whether it was hitting pace or pushing through on a rough day. I’m working on visualization (have been during long runs, am now doing it outside runs too).

    Getting other books and listening to podcasts on mind training – TrailRunnerNation with Lenny Basham is one.

    I’m planning on re-listening to Runner Academy Mastering the Taper podcast next week. Already re-listened to their episode w/ Matt Fitzgerald on fueling beyond the wall (and have read his book a couple of times during training, changed my fueling a bit as a result).

    You’re going to ShamROCK this race!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 20, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      Yay for Shamrock! I honestly feel so much better just having shared my concerns and seeing that it’s not just me. Excellent recommendations — thank you so much! When are you getting into VA Beach?

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        February 20, 2014 at 8:03 pm

        I feel much better too, knowing it’s not just me. I thought it was a little early but this race is a big deal to me. I think we’re heading to VaB Friday. I would love to sleep at home Fri night but am concerned about sitting in a car so long Saturday, would rather be there & do a shakeout run. Plus, need to hit the expo (Bart Yasso speaking 3x!) and Whole Foods, etc. Have reservations at 3 hotels, trying to choose.

        I’m also debating whether to come back Sunday instead of Monday to sleep in my own bed, eat my own food – I’m on a very restricted diet b/c of a lot of food sensitivities, so travel is stressful. Though not sure it’s the best thing for my legs to be in the car immediately post-race as it’s 2x the distance as when I did that with Richmond half, both driving distance and race distance!

        And you?

        Reply
        • cdredden@gmail.com says

          February 20, 2014 at 10:55 pm

          I’m driving down Saturday AM and coming back Monday. I’m staying at the days inn on the boardwalk — whatever hotel you choose, I’d recommend the one that is closest to the finish! I loved being able to walk back to the hotel post race in Richmond (well, love is strong because at that point I didn’t love anything, but you get the point). I chose to do Sat – Mon because I know I’ll be in my hotel room early Saturday resting my legs and I’d rather be able to go back and nap post race and not have to deal with traffic. The food thing totally makes sense though but maybe bring some stuff and then supplement with WF there? I’m still nervous but back to being excited! 🙂

          Reply
  6. Ja @Ja on the RUN says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    You have to trust your training no matter what. I remember I used to compare myself from everyone else in the race but I just have to keep in mind that every runner is different. 🙂
    Ja @Ja on the RUN recently posted…20 Weeks! Halfway There!My Profile

    Reply
  7. Lindsey says

    February 20, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    You’ve got this! Seriously, J&A is the best and you are going to have a great time. PLUS ocean views are worth running for 🙂
    Lindsey recently posted…Sunsational Sunshine Burgers!My Profile

    Reply
  8. Crystal Green says

    February 20, 2014 at 11:59 pm

    That’s right woman. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I believe in you, and it sounds like you’ve been working hard to accomplish this amazing task.
    I’m still learning to run again, but I’m slowly trying desperately to make it happen.
    Crystal Green recently posted…The Clear Benefits of Acrylic Plastic as a Glass ReplacementMy Profile

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 21, 2014 at 12:08 am

      Thank you — you can do it! I believe in you too, Crystal 🙂

      Reply
  9. kaprian says

    February 21, 2014 at 11:01 am

    This is so timely – I have some doubts & fears about my second marathon too, and then I remember how more “natural” this training cycle felt in the sense that nothing was really new. The biggest gains were in the rest department, taking easy runs easier, and fueling throughout the day with more purpose.

    I have a sense that your ample training volume will have you rocking Va Beach, I’m looking forward to cheering you on (I’ll be doing the half)!

    Reply
    • cdredden@gmail.com says

      February 21, 2014 at 2:27 pm

      Thanks! I think you will have a GREAT race — it’s so cool your race is so small – I may try to make it out there to run some miles with you! Looking forward to Shamrock and tons of fun in VA Beach! When are you heading down?

      Reply
      • kaprian says

        February 21, 2014 at 2:40 pm

        Driving down Friday midday, leaving Sunday later in the afternoon. Also staying near the start/finish.

        Yes, this will be a vastly different race from MCM! A running buddy would be sweet! 🙂

        Reply

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