You may have heard the saying that running is 90% mental. I tend to agree with that and my mind certainly was not in it on Saturday. I was slow to get up, didn't have the proper nutrition pre-race and generally, unfocused. I didn't "feel" like warming up. I was just blah. Looking back, I'm a little disappointed that I wasn't more focused. My training has been consistent and I know I could have done better. I wanted to do the race and I was excited about it but race day, my mind wasn't having it. I'll be sure to make sure to be mentally ready for my next race. That said, I'd still call it a successful day. I had great weather and the best fan/photographer there to cheer me on (I'm looking at you, Rob).
I was the third overall woman! It was a small race, so that isn't as impressive as it sounds but, I'm still pretty proud. I've never been able to say that about a race I've done. Now onto the summary: Goal: 54:47 or faster Actual: 6.82 1:01:57 -> 6.2 finished in 56:05 (calculated via Smash Run) Mile 1: 8:15 Race starts and I'm feeling pretty good! It was a smaller race, so I'm keeping up with the front-ish of the pack. This race was really cool because they didn't shut the roads down, the cops were driving along with us and closing the intersections as we arrived. I've never seen such a presence for a race. Big shout out to the East Orange cops. They did an excellent job! Mile 1 ends, I'm at 8:15. During my half, my first mile was in the 7's so I'm already a little behind. I'll just be more consistent here than I was for the half, I think to myself. Only three miles and I'm half way, this'll be easy. Mile 2: 8:53 At this point, I'm already feeling it. The music isn't doing it and I'm just feeling blah. I look at my watch and I haven't even completed mile two yet?! What is going on? I feel like I'm running forever at this point. This blows my mind. I usually never do runs that are shorter than three miles, so why would I be feeling this way during mile 2? I realized at this point, it's going to be a longgg race. Mile 3: 9:24 I finally made it out of the terrible second mile. I know once I finish this mile, I'll be about half way and I can start concentrating on picking up speed and finishing. I thought mile three would be better than mile two. I was wrong! Early into mile three, I was passed by two woman, I was no longer the first place female. I was frustrated. I tried to keep up with them but my mind wasn't in it. After I was passed, I thought about walking, I thought about giving up, I thought about quitting. Instead of stopping, I bargained with myself. Slow down for this mile, use it as a recovery mile, and if you still feel like quitting, you can walk next mile. And so, that is what I did. Mile three was my slowest of the run. Mile 4: 9:16 During mile 4, I really focused on picking things back up. I knew my cadence took a hit during mile three, so I really concentrated on lifting my feet as fast as possible. This made running a little easier and I began to settle into the run. At this point, I was already half way, and I stopped fighting with myself so much. Mile 5: 9:20 I was not feeling it! I settled in during mile four but mile five was just a battle. I knew the end was coming, I knew I was almost there but I just couldn't get myself going. There was a lot of internal battling going on during mile 5. I also knew I wouldn't PR during mile 5. Mile 6: 9:07 I think realizing I wasn't going to PR today allowed me to relax and not be so focused on the time. I passed a few people at mile six. Quick side note: there was a father and son running together. The son was probably about maybe 7-8 years old, maybe even a little younger. They ran almost the entire race hand in hand. I was so adorable and definitely #goals for me with out (hopefully) future children! The final stretch: .82 miles 9:06 pace A true 10k is 6.21371 miles. Understandably, I was excited when I entered the final stretch. I've completed 6 miles, so not much more left! 6.2 miles came and went, I looked at my watch and saw the mileage climbing. 6.4... 6.5.... Is this ever going to end?! What felt like turn after turn, I like someone was playing a joke on me. I actually thought the race would never end and that I was lost. Finally, one of the police officers announces through their car PA system, "You're almost done! You're going to tun right, then left. Then you'll make a right and you're on the home stretch." I felt like I had run for a while after the announcement and still no end in sight. I almost asked some people if I was getting close to the stadium because I was desperate to finish! Finally, I made the last turn and saw Rob. I'm almost done!! I thought. I was elated!! While, my recap may sound like I hated the race, I really did enjoy it. I always enjoy races. I'll be doing this race again if they have it next year. I was just so mentally not in the right place that it made reflection back on the race seem so, well, negative! Saturday was a big wake up call about how important mental strength is. Running is 90% mental, couldn't ring more true. While I will continue to work to be a faster runner, I'll also be working on mental strength. While I haven't exactly figured out how to go about doing that, I'll be sure to share what I come up with! I hope you all had a marvelous weekend! xoxo, Chelsea
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