On Sunday I'll be running the Brighton Half Marathon. When I ran it for the first time in 2010, it was my 2nd half. This time it's my 6th half...and the 4th time I'll be trying to run a sub-2.
I've been giving myself little pep talks. Visualizing each mile. Seeing myself charge across the finish line. I've worked hard. I feel good. I'm ready....and here are the 10 reasons why:
10. I've built a strong running base. I've been running 40-45 miles per week for the last 3 weeks. More than probably needed for a half, but now I feel like I have a good solid base to train for any race. The Edinburgh Marathon is already in the back of my mind!
9. I've focused more on speed work. I've always done fartleks, intevals and tempo runs, but this time around I did more at speeds faster than HM goal pace. @BrazilianGunner encouraged me to do mile repeats for the first time at 8:30 min/mi. Scary, but I hope they've made a difference!
8. I know the race route. Most weekends I do my long runs on the Brighton Seafront. I've run the route countless times...I even know the direction the wind usually blows! There will be no surprises.
7. I have great support. Hubs, family, friends....not to mention the most amazing runners on Twitter. Thanks for your encouragement!
6. I've been feeling consistent. It's not that I don't have any bad days....but I have far fewer awful days.
5. I'm a pseudo-early bird. My last few weeks of @6amClub have made early starts feel a little more natural. A little. No worries about getting up on race day!
4. I'm not jet lagged. My last half was in California, and after traveling from the UK, to Abu Dhabi, to LA....jet lag was definitely a factor. It's nice to be in the right time zone!
3. I haven't been sick. When I ran the Poppy Half I was recovering from a bad cold that hampered my training. This time I've been healthy and I'm feeling strong.
2. I have a race strategy. I learned my lesson after the Dublin Half....you have to go in with a plan! This time it's not just about staying on pace, but staying steady through the middle section and (hopefully) having enough energy to push it at the end.
And finally....
1. I love running. Plain and simple.
I. AM. READY.
.
The eleventh reason is that the weather seems reasonable for Sun in Brighton. I can't wait to hear all about it. Go there and give it 100% and finish with a big smile on your face.
ReplyDeletePs. thanks for the mention
Thanks so much, Rodrigo! Yes, the weather looks like it should be sunny and dry....fingers crossed!
DeleteI am really going to fight for this one!