A few things have been running through my mind this week as I prepare, or just keep running like normal, for the day. I guess my main fear is that I will get tired and not be able to finish. I know I can run far, but 31 miles is the longest I have ever tried to run at once. After I ran 29 I realized I would eventually attempt an ultra so it was only a matter of time but still it haunts me.
Second, I worry that the weather will suck. Living in New England it is hard to prepare for races weather wise. You could wake up to freezing temperatures, snow, rain, or anything really. Currently the weather report is calling for sunshine and 42 degrees. I would love for that to be true!
Third, I am worried about the course. It is not a paved normal road. The CCFFA website says it is along the sandy beaches... This means it will be a lot tougher than running on smooth pavement. My favorite line is "this is not a race for wussies" haha if that does not make me feel uneasy I do not know what will!
I am looking forward to Saturday for a few reasons too. Mainly I am kind of sickly excited at the chance to run far. I have a lot going on in my personal life and running has become my medicine. There is nothing like cruising through a long run to sort out your thoughts. I know Saturday will help me relax as crazy as it may sound.
Also I will get to run with people! Sometimes, many times actually, most of my long runs are alone and they get rather lonely out there especially in the cold winter months. One of my friends is going to do his long run so I am happy. There will also be all the other crazy ultra runners and I am kind of excited to meet people who run these types of races all the time. After all this is my first one of this type of race so I am looking forward to that.
I have been following an advanced marathon training plan in the hopes to qualify for Boston in Hyannis next month. SO I am planning to treat this run on Saturday like a long slow steady Galloway training run. I am hoping I can keep my steady favorite training pace of 9:15ish per mile. It will be good for me to see if I can last the entire 31 miles and hopefully make me feel stronger for Hyannis next month.
So yes there is nerves, I mean I could not race without those ;) But there is also a bit of excitement here too as I kick of 2012 with my first race!!!
15 comments:
You are going to kill it! Go Colleen!
Good luck, Colleen! If you were able to do 29, this will be an easy race! My fingers are crossed that the weather stays warm!
That's a sweet pace for 31 miles. You're going to rock it!
This is so amazing to me... although I have "completed" 5Ks, I have never even totally run a 5K, and here you are doing 31 miles! Holy Smokes! You are awesome! Can't wait to hear all about it!
By the way, hoping to fully run my first 5K in March... training now. LOL, that must sound so silly to a runner like you! :-)
Wow, girl. Kick some ass!!
Good luck on Saturday! Looking forward to hearing how it goes.
You accidentally typed in "50K" instead of "5K", dummy. 50K? That's crazy-talk!
Go get it, Colleen!
You are seriously amazing. I admire your drive and motivation!! Rock it out on Saturday ok?? :)
I don't think there is any doubt you will finish it. You have proven that many times already. But I would try not to get focused on keeping a certain pace for that distance. Just go out there and run to have fun!
Colleen! You are an inspiration! No doubt that you will do this and do it way better than you expect! I can't wait to read your post race report! You are right, this is a stepping stone in your journey to Boston and beyond. I hope to be like you one day and do an ultra. Thanks for being you and blogging about it. :)(: Peace!
Yes! I love it and have no doubt that you are going to just cream this thing. :D
Damn girl. 31 miles. And I know you will rock it. Hopefully the weather cooperates, and hopefully the terrain isn't too bad! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you everyone for all of the ongoing support. When I sometimes wonder if I can reach these goals, I come here and I realize that so many have faith in me and it helps get me through!
Thank you xoxo
You are awesome for attempting and training! Enjoy the race and hope the weather holds!
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