Last Friday of the month already? It’s time to join in for some fun April Runfessions a monthly link up to spill all kinds of running and fitness thoughts. So let’s get right to it.
April Runfessions
I Runfess…I am a little nervous about my first tri race of the year this Sunday. I know that I am more than prepared for this sprint tri but I still get so nervous and have to work really hard to push away the “what if” thoughts. I have written out my whole race day plan and hoping that will help me stay focused. This is new for me and I am optimistic it is really going to help.
I Runfess…I sometimes question why I do this to myself. Don’t get me wrong, love the training and the motivation and the discipline that training for a race entails; do not however love the pre race anxiety. Yet, I do keep signing up for them so perhaps it’s like childbirth that I just forget this part?
I Runfess...I am glad I wrote that Race Day Letter to myself Race Day Letter to myself last month to remind me of how I have prepped and how much progress I have made.
I Runfess…I am kind of glad that I do not have a half marathon or longer distance race on my schedule yet for this year. I am enjoying the shorter runs and more cross training right now. I think my body is too and I feel like I am in better shape now. I am sure come August I will be ready to sign up for a longer race again in the fall.
I Runfess…While I have been doing really well with meal planning and eating well balanced meals, I have been having such chocolate cravings lately. Time to do another sugar detox or just let me myself eat chocolate? Serious dilemmas for sure 🙂
Tell me do you make a race day plan to follow? Anything to Runfess?
linking up with
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Thats a great idea to make such a specific race plan! Ive been craving chocolate lately too. I try to stick with just having a little after dinner each night. Good luck this weekend!
Deborah Brooks says
The chocolate just calls my name sometimes!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
The chocolate cravings could be because you need a smidge more protein with everything you are doing, or that you have given that sweet tooth a bit too much free rein. Maybe a little bit of both! I know I’m having that problem, but my problem is CARBS (well, and sugar)
Deborah Brooks says
Some days I do crave more carbs and I think it’s true I do need them on those days. The chocolate just calls my name some days
Coco says
Good luck on your Tri! I love your list – you’ve got it all mapped out for sure! I’m a firm believer in a daily dose of chocolate. 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks and yes daily chocolate does the trick
Mary Beth Jackson says
Good luck with the tri! You got this! I like how you wrote it all out- so if you get nervous just look at your list- very smart! I say eat the chocolate- you are working it off! Have a FUN weekend!
Deborah Brooks says
The list is new for me I hope it helps!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I always ask myself that very question as I line up for a race: why do I do this to myself? LOL. You’re so well prepared for your tri–you’re going to do great! And make sure to have fun. That’s why we do this stuff!
I couldn’t do a sugar detox, so I say eat the chocolate. It’s got anti-inflammatory properties! At least that’s what I tell myself. I’m not a good influence, am I?
Deborah Brooks says
You are a fabulous influence! yes it is supposed to be fun glad I am not the only one that asks myself these questions
Teresa says
Just go with the chocolate, our bodies need it ….or maybe it’s for our sanity. Either way, we NEED it! 🙂
Ugh, I also dread the pre race anxiety and though I’ve never done a tri, I have done multiple duathlons and always have even more pre race anxiety with those than I do for running events. Maybe it’s the whole transition thing. Good luck, I know you are going to crush that tri!!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes there are a lot of logistics involved. I would love to do a Du sometime as well
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
I think writing out your race day plan is a great idea! Having something in hand will remind you of your goals and hopefully help calm your nerves.
Good luck this weekend! You’ll do great! Just remember, you’ve done the training, you are prepared.
Kimberly says
You’ll do great in your Tri this weekend! I love that you have a great race plan in place.
Deborah Brooks says
I am hoping that will help me stay focused
Abbey Sharp says
I say let yourself eat chocolate! Thanks for sharing your runfessions!
Deborah Brooks says
I like the way you think
[email protected] says
I runfess that while I love the late days and warmer days, I do not enjoy the warm runs as much and am not looking forward to long runs in heat this summer.
Deborah Brooks says
Running in the heat is rough! We get so humid here
Marcia says
I love your race plan! Push off wall hard! YES! I always seem to forget to take a gel in tris as well. Have a wonderful race. Like you said, you are more than ready!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much now I just have to follow it
Lesley says
I love chocolate, so that has my vote. Studies show dark chocolate is good for runners, so why not? I get the good stuff too, like the Ghiradelli dark chocolate squares. Those squares are small and limit my consumption. Sometimes one is all I need.
Deborah Brooks says
Gotta have the good stuff!
Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says
I am impressed with your race day plan! You’re gonna do great!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks now I just have to follow it!
Marsha says
I runfess that the Indy Mini is a week from Saturday and it will likely be my last half marathon, and the thing is I think I’m okay with that. It will mark the 20th time I’ve done that event and 60 half marathons total. I’ve always loved distance but after my knees kinda went bad last year, diagnosed with arthritis (doc says I’m too young for it but that’s my life!), I am ready to take on smaller races and more biking. I never thought I’d be okay to let go of the distance, but I’m thankful I’m reaching that place in my life. My body says I have to and my mind is catching up to that truth!
Deborah Brooks says
I had no idea you had run so many races!! You sound like a very smart lady knowing when you need to back down is not always easy
Marsha says
Yep, I’ve run a lot! 🙂 Over a dozen full marathons not to mention all the 5Ks and 10Ks. Last summer was tough getting that diagnosis, but I’m learning my “new normal” with running.
Deborah Brooks says
I can’t seem to find your comment area on your pretzel post
Marsha says
I’ve turned off comments and try to get people to come over to Facebook to interact there or just do a social share on my blog. Thanks for visiting though! I appreciate the support 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
got it!
Cyndi says
Writing out your race day plan is a great idea. It’ll definitely keep you focused! I say eat the chocolate. A little won’t hurt. Good luck with your race
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much!
Ana says
I’m sure you are going to have an awesome race! so awesome you will forget about all the anxiety and sign up for something again!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh I already have!!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
You’re going to be great on Sunday!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks Nicole have a fun weekend
Rachel says
You are SO READY! You’re gonna do great.
Having said that, I also love training and the discipline. But I HATE pre-race anxiety. Hate it!!! It’s 100% not fun!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh right there with you!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Great idea to make a race day plan. I get very anxious before races writing out a plan like that could really help! Good luck on Sunday!!
Deborah Brooks says
I hope it does help this time
Kimberly Hatting says
That’s a great idea making a detailed plan like that! You’re gonna do great! I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday…best of LUCK!!!!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much Kim 🙂 have a great weekend yourself
Anna @ Pipers Run says
I runfess that I’ve been loving chocolate more lately as well and it’s been so hard not to eat it! You’ll rock your race…good luck! I love the idea of writing a lether to yourself, cool!.
Deborah Brooks says
The chocolate just calls my name seriously!
Esther says
I runfess I need to get over my fear and begin running again.
And eat the chocolate 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Just start slow you got this!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I too have been having trouble with wanting to eat all of the chocolate. I was really good about giving it up for Lent and avoiding the candy bowl at work, but once Easter hit I was back to my old ways. Ugh!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s so hard to avoid it also it’s just so good 🙂
Elaine @myRUNexperiment says
I’ve never done a race day plan as detailed as yours. Maybe just the logistics before the race starts. I think it’s a great idea as it allows you to visualize what you want to happen in the race and it should have a positive effect. Have you tried any breathing techniques to ease your pre-race jitters? Best of luck on your tri!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks no I have not tried breathing techniques but I bet they would help as well
Akaleistar says
Good luck at your race!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! It went pretty well I am happy
megan says
Runfession: I make my race day plan in my head…throughout the night or wee hours of the morning before the race 🙂 Perhaps a well detailed written plan would allow me a more sound sleep.
Runfession: I plan to stick to short distances this year as well. The training just takes too much time!
Deborah Brooks says
I think it really helped me a ton to have it written out this time. I will be doing it again. Nothing wrong with shorter runs especially in the heat of summer
Carmy says
Good luck on your tri!!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks so much! It was great I am happy
Annmarie says
I runfess tgatvim happy that my longer distance races are coming to an end until fall soon
Deborah Brooks says
It’s no fun to run long in the summer heat
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Wow! That is such a great way to organize for your triathlon! I think that is one of the disciplines of the sport: Organization. Have a great race!! 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks! The race went really well I am excited for the season
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Love your race day plan – I think it’s a great way to stay focused and not get distracted by those doubts/fears – I hope you had a great race today!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks I did! stay tuned for details
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Do the chocolate! A little dark chocolate isn’t bad for you at all. I’d just avoid a king sized Snickers. 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
lol no king sized snickers but I do love my Hershey kisses 🙂
Sandra Laflamme says
I can’t wait to hear the recap of your tri! I do write out a plan because it helps me to not forget things in trantsitions.
Deborah Brooks says
The race went really well recap coming soon!
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
I loved reading your tri race day schedule, especially since I’ve never done a tri. It’s always interesting to learn about a new sport!
Sooo, we both wrote about needing to rein in our chocolates… Hmmm…
Deborah Brooks says
hmmm maybe that means we need a chocolate date 🙂
Toni says
I love you that
You wrote everything it for your race!! What a way to achieve your perfect race day.
Deborah Brooks says
It really worked so well for me I will be doing it every time
Tricia Vaughn says
I usually have a race day plan but it’s in my head. I think it would go better if I did what you did by writing it down!
Deborah Brooks says
This was the first time I have ever done this and I will be doing it again next time