This is one of the harder posts that I have had to write. I am always completely honest and transparent with my family, friends, and followers, so here you go...
If you have been following my journey, you know that I race A LOT. Seriously. In 2012 I ran 40 race, 2013 it was 58 and 64 races in 2014. I have been asked previously if I ever get "race jitters" or nervous about races. To be honest, typically I don't. My body and mind know the drill - cross the start line and run until you cross the finish line.
The days leading up to the Tear Drop Half Marathon were different than I typically experience - I was scared, nervous, and questioning my own abilities. I was facing a race that was completely outside of my "norm" and my comfort zone and to be honest, one that I did not feel ready for. As my friend Becky told me, my body is usually "half marathon ready" due to how frequently I run them. However, I have never ran DOWN A MOUNTAIN before.
While this was not a trail race, knowing the grade that I would be running approximately 8 miles on terrified me. I admit it, I did not train/practice any downhill running which is my own fault. This is 100% on me. What was this going to do to my muscles? Can my knees handle it? How do I run downhill that long? Oye! I was also questioning my abilities with pace going into this. 2 weeks ago I ran my slowest 1/2 marathon in a very long time at the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon. While it was a race full of me being sick and fun selfies, it wast still slow. I was a nervous wreck all week.
While this was not a trail race, knowing the grade that I would be running approximately 8 miles on terrified me. I admit it, I did not train/practice any downhill running which is my own fault. This is 100% on me. What was this going to do to my muscles? Can my knees handle it? How do I run downhill that long? Oye! I was also questioning my abilities with pace going into this. 2 weeks ago I ran my slowest 1/2 marathon in a very long time at the Pittsburgh 1/2 Marathon. While it was a race full of me being sick and fun selfies, it wast still slow. I was a nervous wreck all week.
Between the LocoGlo 5K the night before and nerves ramping up, I did not sleep well at all. I had an early wake up call to make the hour drive up to Chattsworth. Momma K and my friend Becky ran the 5K and a few other friends were heading up to run the 1/2 marathon as well.
We were assigned buses by our last name to take to the summit of the mountain. Lucky me, I was on the 2nd bus (out of 4) which got me to the summit early. Well, the bus driver go lost! We blazed past the start area and started making our way down the other side of the mountain! Finally we got the driver's attention and we turned around but now the 4th bus would be late since we were detoured a few minutes. The bed & breakfast at the top of the mountain was kind enough to allow the runners to wait inside for the race. We had a total down pour for a few minutes so I am glad that we were indoors. I am beyond thankful that I had my friend Mandy there with me that morning. She is an incredible athlete and friend and she really helped my nerves and confidence. We took some goofy selfies together which helped clear my mind before running.
We were assigned buses by our last name to take to the summit of the mountain. Lucky me, I was on the 2nd bus (out of 4) which got me to the summit early. Well, the bus driver go lost! We blazed past the start area and started making our way down the other side of the mountain! Finally we got the driver's attention and we turned around but now the 4th bus would be late since we were detoured a few minutes. The bed & breakfast at the top of the mountain was kind enough to allow the runners to wait inside for the race. We had a total down pour for a few minutes so I am glad that we were indoors. I am beyond thankful that I had my friend Mandy there with me that morning. She is an incredible athlete and friend and she really helped my nerves and confidence. We took some goofy selfies together which helped clear my mind before running.
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We received a 5 minute warning when the final bus was almost there. We made our way outside and got ready to start.
 Exactly... |  There is only one way down now... |
I felt bad for the runners on the last bus because they honest got off the bus and had to run due to the buses running late. Two of my friends were actually in the port-o-potty when the gun went off.
The gun went off and I ran. Just as I have done hundreds of times before - I just ran. About 2 miles in I smiled and thought to myself "you are doing it!" I took smaller strides and leaned slightly into my stride as I ran. I made sure to start off slow and get my legs in a rhythm before gaining any speed. The views were pretty beautiful coming down and a few of the residents on the mountain came out to cheer on the runners. Before I knew it, the first 8 miles were done! I had conquered my fears and I did it! I actually ran the first 9.5-10 miles at my 5K pace which I was very pleased with.
The last few miles were rolling hills through the town of Chattsworth. THIS was the hard part! Most of the runners all said the same thing - the last few miles were tough. While I am usually one who does really well on hills, my body panicked. My legs were unsure what to do now. It was not that I was in pain, my body was confused. I slowed down a bit, but kept pushing. At mile 12.9 I smiled - Becky was along the road waiting for me to arrive and cheer me into the finish!
The gun went off and I ran. Just as I have done hundreds of times before - I just ran. About 2 miles in I smiled and thought to myself "you are doing it!" I took smaller strides and leaned slightly into my stride as I ran. I made sure to start off slow and get my legs in a rhythm before gaining any speed. The views were pretty beautiful coming down and a few of the residents on the mountain came out to cheer on the runners. Before I knew it, the first 8 miles were done! I had conquered my fears and I did it! I actually ran the first 9.5-10 miles at my 5K pace which I was very pleased with.
The last few miles were rolling hills through the town of Chattsworth. THIS was the hard part! Most of the runners all said the same thing - the last few miles were tough. While I am usually one who does really well on hills, my body panicked. My legs were unsure what to do now. It was not that I was in pain, my body was confused. I slowed down a bit, but kept pushing. At mile 12.9 I smiled - Becky was along the road waiting for me to arrive and cheer me into the finish!
I did it! I completed my 38th half marathon, ran down the mountain, proved to myself that I could do it, and PR'ed! I actually beat my PRs at my 10K, 15K, and 10 mile splits as well! I guess that downhill helped me a bit :)
 Becky "medaling me" and giving me my post-race Diet Coke |  MINE! |  INKnBURN ladies |
No, I am not telling you that this was easy. As with any race, there are risks involved especially when you are not trained/prepared for it. While I was prepared for 13.1 miles, I was not trained in downhill running. I relied heavily on leg strength and core strength that I gained through cross training. The support of my friends and family from the days prior to the race to me actually finishing was amazing. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am have to have such an awesome support system around me. I can never thank each of them enough for never telling me "you are crazy for doing that" but rather "I know you can do it" and always being there for me.
I learned a lot about myself and my abilities coming down that mountain for sure with the most important being that it is normal to be scared and to face your fears. I am already looking forward to adding this race to my 2016 calendar and seeing what a little confidence (and proper downhill training) can do for me!
Question of the Day: Have you ever been scared of a race? What did you do to calm your nerves?
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