Racey Thoughts

One week from this moment I will have have finished a marathon! I can hardly believe it. It is starting to sink into my mind that this is going to happen. I'm pretty good about keeping my nerves in check about most things. If I get nervous about stuff, I usually don't allow it to surface until the anticipated moment occurs.

I have to admit, though, I am:
  • Nervous
  • Excited
  • Scared
  • Overwhelmed
  • Anxious
  • Happy
Mostly, it's the unknown, small details that are making me nervous. Like:
  • How will I get down there?
  • What will I bring?
  • Will it be chilly?
  • How much coffee should I drink?
  • Should I bring a little can of Lysol to disinfect the yucky blue port-o-potty before I use it?
  • What will I do with my stuff?
  • I know... they have UPS trucks taking all the "stuff" to the finish line, but then I have to find the truck... and my bag after the race.
  • What if I get lost on the route? Trust me, I get lost easily! Very easily*.
  • Should I wear some makeup? I want to look alive when they take my picture.
  • What if I can't find my husband at the finish line?
  • What if I can't sleep the night before the race? I'm not a good have-to-sleep sleeper.
Then there are all the "maybes"... many of which are irrational:
  • Maybe my heel and/or knee will get so damaged from this race that I will never recover.
  • Maybe I'll get lost.*
  • Maybe all that sweet Cytomax will make my tummy very unhappy.
  • Maybe I should wear a diaper.
  • Maybe some well-meaning at-home spectator will spray me with their garden hose. I hate getting sprayed by hoses. Even more, I hate wet socks.
  • Maybe I should bring an extra pair of socks... I read of someone who ended up having to use her socks as toilet paper during a marathon. I assume she ran sockless for the rest of the race. Hopefully, she did not put them back on her feet.
  • Maybe I ought to bring some toilette wipes.
Then there are all the week before the race concerns, mostly involving eating, drinking, and resting questions. I'll blog about those another time since this blog is getting long and the hour is getting late.

*Some examples of me getting lost:
  • Very nearly walking into the men's locker room at the gym last week after using the pool.
  • Getting so lost at Caesar's Palace in Vegas that it took me an hour to find my way out.
  • Losing my car in the hospital parking garage.
  • Not being able to find my hotel room (on numerous occasions).
  • Getting lost (and very late) on my way to jury duty.
  • Practically panicking in a pumpkin patch corn maze because I couldn't find my way out... I was ready to tear down those corn stalks.


Comments

Melanie Tait said…
Hey Sara

It's so exciting. I don't think you'll get lost = there will be loads of people and rocknrollers. Unless you're winning, of course, then you may get lost, having to set the pace :).

Will be thinking of you this week, sending good energy to those knees!
Oz Runner said…
lol at your getting lost examples...and at "using socks as toilet paper."

all those thoughts/feelings you're having are the same ones every other marathoner has had before their first race..you are not alone...
I haven't run a marathon (...yet!) but I bet that these are the same types of thoughts everyone has! I know I had them on a smaller scale before my first 5k. Good luck and have fun!
Unknown said…
I *really* don't think you'll get lost. There will be so many people out there....just follow the crowd.

I think you're experiencing normal jitters. Try to relax and have fun!
RunningLaur said…
Sounds like a true case of taper madness! Good luck next weekend!
RunnerDude said…
Hey, you're gonna do great! It's normal to be nervous and have so many questions and concerns. I've learned just to ask questions. There are going to be so many runners around you willing to help you out. I've met some lasting friends at marathons through simply asking "How do you get to the Expo?" Just do some deep breathing and enjoy. Can't wait to hear the race recap!
Unknown said…
Sara, you keep me in stitches - I never know when you're serious or not! My only suggestion: negative splits. It's the difference between a good day and a bad day and the cause of more bad days than anything else.

Also, saw your posting on my site today. Check out tomorrow's - it's an overview of Jeff Galloway's half-marathon program. Given the injury, it may be a great program to get you ready for the fall. Mark
Jes said…
I have been lost in every one of those situations, too. Luckily, there should be enough people that you'll always have someone to follow!!
MCM Mama said…
Sound like pretty typical concerns, but I'm pretty sure you won't get lost during the race LOL.

I always carry some toilet paper on longer races. A friend had to wipe with her glove and then run the rest of a marathon holding her shirt over her hand. I've learned from her experience...
robison52 said…
LOL EVERYONE gets lost in Caesar's Palace, it's one big labryinth. They don't tear anything down, they just add to the maze...Caesars is in the process of adding ANOTHER tower.

Sing, "Don't worry, be happy."
RunToTheFinish said…
oh amen to all of that!! My hotel has a shuttle, so that gets me to the race... I'm not taking anything to drop off at the UPS vans cause it's just too much for me to think about... I hear they have food tables down there so I'll probably try to snag a banana

oh gosh it's so close!!
You are sooo funny!! I will have many of the same thoughts when I am 1 week out. Heck I already have butterflies and I am 1 month out.

It is EASY to get lost in Caesars Palace, VEgas does that on purpose so you will spend more money..
Anonymous said…
You are so funny. Once you get to the starting line all those questions will disappear out of your head. you'll be free of thoughts and worries:-)PROMISE!!!

One advice: rather wear light clothes and be a bit cold in the morning than hot later.

you'll be fine and do great. it'll be one big ride and a party!
Aka Alice said…
OK...I'm a week behind, but I'm going to post on every single one of your blogs this week...so there!

You won't get lost...there are waaaaaaaaay too many people.

Wet naps are not a bad idea. But if your husband or someone is going to meet/cheer for you along the way, have him carry them (I made my husband hand me a tampon last year).

The UPS truck is like "find your stuff for dummies" and I'm an idiot about such things.

PS...I will have wet naps if you need one :-)

SDTC has a really nice Excel spreadsheet that gives estimated times at mile markers based on pace. Email me if you want me to send it to you. It was handy.

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