Stress Center Peer Support

Anyone ever run a half-marathon?
How did you handle your anticipatory anxiety?

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and just stumbled onto your post. I've never actually posted on a forum in my life but when I saw yours, it got my attention because the message is so positive and that is something that is essential when it comes to dealing with life stress and all of the other reasons for doing this program.

I've never run in a marathon much less a 5K but it is something that I would like to do! I've actually been looking at articles about how to prepare and how to start training. There is a wealth of info out there, it's inspiring! First, I want to say that the fact that you are aiming for this goal is an accomplishment in and of itself! Congratulations! Do you know where you will make your debut? Is it near to where you live? I would suggest that you try the route if you are able. I mean just so you have a feel for your environment, that would make ME feel more comfortable which would alleviate the anxiety quite a bit. I would run/walk or even drive the course so you can see the topography. I know people that have run marathons and it is helpful for them to know when to coast and where the uphill stretches are so they can plan how to use their energy. If the venue is elsewhere, use google maps to help you imagine running it. I have a friend that has been running marathons and she travels to the destinations. She saves up months in advance. When she gets there, it's like a vacation and a reward for her effort.

I would probably prefer to run my first one alone but after that, it would be awesome to have a friend that you can run with~ that way you will have someone to celebrate with! I would make a pact with my BF for motivation and then treat it as a girls night/ weekend. My BFFs are across the country so it would be a real treat to meet up. Also, something I've never done because I hate being away from my kids for any length of time. They are old enough and I need to start doing more to take care of myself which will pay in spades for them too! Hmm, something to think about.

I would prepare by knowing what to eat and drink leading up to the race. For me, that is a huge issue. I have IBS so I would need to account for that. I would take a OTC remedy for that ahead of the race as well. Do you use an Ipod? I would line up some relaxing music to stretch and focus then add some of your favorite tunes that elevate your mood during the race. I have a playlist that starts slow and relaxing and builds in the portions that I would be exerting extra energy then back to slow for cooling down. I'm listening to an excellent song right now. It's "Be Yourself" by Audioslave. I find it to be a good reminder when I am anxious. Windham Hills has really great instrumental tracks that I use to relax if I can't sleep.

The only other thing I can think of (I would feel a major component) would be to tell yourself how great you will feel after the race!!! When you feel nervous, label it "excitement!" It will be an affirmation rather than a dreadful feeling. Tell yourself you can do it~ and when you are racking up your miles in preparation, remind yourself of these things! Honestly, I think you will have such a fantastic feeling about yourself and your accomplishment that you will feel like you are up for bigger and better things all the way around! That runner's high is a prize! Oh, and for future use save your racing number/ t-shirt to remind yourself of your accomplishment!

You have motivated me today. I'm just starting week #2. I have been putting off exercising lately (actually for quite some time) and I am not much of a runner but I Want to be!!! I am going to start today! I hope you get many more replies from the experienced runners, it will be nice to see what has worked for them! Thanks for your post and best wishes for your endeavor! I hope you post after you have completed it so you can share how amazing it will be!
Sincerely, M.

You are so sweet. Thanks so much for all the thought you put into your response.

I have been running in fits and starts. I wanted to, but I found that my front of my legs were doing my work, not the hamstrings and butt muscles like they should. And I got injured. so- off to the PT where I had to go back to babysteps. About 18 months ago, I had to run 1 !! yes 1, minute and then walk. then repeat. I exercised as she told me, then went back to a personal trainer that she recommended. My husband and I go twice weekly. And I do a Pilates class once weekly to work on my core, and I've just started back to yoga once weekly. I've done about 5-6 5 Ks, and at the beginning of April I ran in a 10 mile race with my husband. He is also going to be doing this 13.1 with me. It is, coincidentally, starting about 1.5 miles from my house. And I know 4 other people who are doing it, and so have talked to them about it and gleaned some tips. I LOVE the medal that I got from the 10 miler and am totally looking forward to the shirt and medal on Sunday. I don't wear an ipod, but chat with the husband while running. If I was doing it alone, I would have music or a radio for sure.

I would encourage you strongly to exercise regularly. That has made a ton of difference for me. And if you want to run, I've read some great books about it. John Bingham is the author and he wrote "The Courage to Start" and "No Need for Speed". He used to write for Runner's World. Also, I got a book from the library specifically about Women's Running. Also, I got myself a subscription to Runner's World. If you log on to their website, you can get the magazine from a pop up for about $1 an issue. And I signed up and get their online thing too. Much free info.

I don't feel nearly as nervous as I did for the 10 miler. Since the beginning of April, I have run 3-4 times for about 2.25 hours. That is about how long I think it will take me on Sunday. I've been experimenting with fuel gels and wearing a water belt. What really helps, besides the shirt/medal, is I think of it as a long run with many friends, and I get snacks at the end.

I also found out last week, that if I sit in a freezing cold bath after a long run, my legs rebound so much quicker.

I'm sorry if this is TMI. Thanks for the reply, good luck with your start on it, and if you want to keep in touch, let me know. I know there are races all over for just women. It would be fun to do something together-- anxiety babes unite!

I'm addicted to this for sure.

Hi M.

I'm here, reporting back to you.

I did the 1/2 marathon. I live in MN, in the Twin Cities and today when we got up, it was 34 degrees, howling 25 mph winds (which made the wind chill feel like it was 24 degrees) and snow flurries. Happy May Day my butt.
So- I didn't really get that nervous, but I did feel like my legs just wouldn't go with the flow until about mile 4-10. Then I kind of freaked out, like.. this is the longest I've known I've run and I've got a l-o-n-g way to go still. To help me out, I thought of the serenity prayer, I thought about how I could only do the mile that I was on and not do all of them at once, and I would pray for God to give me strength to get to the next mile marker, and to give me an extra boost when I felt pooped.

My husband and I finished in about 2 hours and 16 minutes. It could have been faster if I hadn't had the end of a cold and the conditions would have been more inviting, and the ending part of the race wasn't across soggy grass that had been beaten to a pulp by faster runners. It was like running thru a cow pasture. NOT good. I'd didn't get to look up and see my time on the clock because I was looking down at my feet fearing that I'd twist an ankle or something. It was just too cold to enjoy the food at the end and we ended up waiting a super long time for a charter bus to take us back to the start area. You'd think with this being the 31st time they did this event that they would plan for more buses, but NO. I hope I don't get pneumonia now that my cold is going away.

And I got 2 blisters on my right foot that bum me out. I hate my shoes so I'll have to try something new. These are not the ticket.

I know there is a 10 miler and another half in our area around Halloween. I'll have to think about it. Right now I'm tuckered. In between I think I'd work more on my hamstring strength and getting the shoes right.

But, I am happy I achieved my goal and I've worn my shirt and my finisher's medal all day. I may sleep with them too.

You did it, that's excellent! Crazy weather, blisters and you persevered! Just thinking about it makes my legs feel like jello, Ha ha! Gee, you had a cold and ran the 1/2 marathon, you must be tough! Congratulations on your achievement and the t-shirt and medal to boot! Plus, it's really neat that you and your husband can share that feat! I love that you said the Serenity Prayer as well. God is good, we can do all things through him!

I don't know what your shoe of preference is but I love Mizunos for running. They make so many types to fit the individuals needs. They are super light weight too!!! I actually got my first pair from Roadrunner Sports. They did a test to see what type of foot I had then they made the suggestion. Actually the man that I spoke with said Mizunos were his favorite. I decided to try them since I could send them back with ease. I love them, never sent them back! I have a pair that I keep specifically for my treadmill and a pair of Saucony that I use outdoors. I always heard great things about Saucony but they hurt my feet in no time flat. I guess it just depends.

Thank you for the book suggestions. I will have to check into the John Bingham books. I was just watching the speech of a classmate who has run different marathons. He pointed out that less than 1% of the population can say that they have completed a Marathon. Isn't that crazy! That's hard to wrap your mind around. It sure sounds like an elite few when you look at it that way. Also, I'm remembering this woman named Harriet Anderson who is 75 years old and completed the Ironman 19 times, her last one was Oct. 2010!!! She didn't even start training till 51! AMAZING!

I appreciate your encouragement. It wasn't TMI. I have to stay motivated which is often easier said than done. I always have to take it slow at first because I have a habit of twisting my back out of place and it's discouraging to start only to have to stop and wait to mend. What I do know is that my back would feel so much better if I can strengthen it again! I bet you can relate after your injury. I used to love going to the gym with my husband but that was years ago. We have equipment in our house now. It's a tad bit dusty though! It's nice to have a reminder that I will feel good, great for making the time to exercise. I know that when my hubby and I were more active I didn't battle with the bundle of nerves so much. It would be great to get back to that place.

Thank you for the exciting update!