Hi, my name is Deborah. I runfess it’s been 19 months since my last in-person race. Yep, 19 months. I’ve got lots of feelings about this to share. Join me for August Runfessions.
August Runfessions
I Runfess…Yes, it has been 19 months since my last in-person race. When I lined up to run the New Orleans Rock n Roll half in February of 2020, I never could have fathomed how the world would change just a few short weeks later. With so many races postponed and canceled these last 18 months, it has finally dawned on me that my races are quickly approaching.
I Runfess...I am really excited and honestly, a little nervous about lining up at the start line again. Safety-wise, I feel pretty safe as I am fully vaccinated and I know I can wear my mask at the start line. What am I worried about? I am out of my groove with racing. While I have been training consistently for the past 19 months, real race day scenarios are different than training runs.
I Runfess...I keep fixating on every little achiness or soreness for fear it will derail my race plans. Kind of silly but I guess I have more anxiety than I thought. I was so concerned about a sore spot on my foot this week that I frantically got an appointment to have it looked at. Just out of caution, I had an x-ray done to make sure I did not have a stress fracture. I do not. My Dr. said it was just a little soft tissue inflammation. After a few days of ibuprofen, I am feeling much better.
Upcoming races:
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler- September 12
Wine Glass Half Marathon- October 3
Tell me: Do you have anxiety about returning to racing after a break? Do you fixate on every little ache/twinge while training for races? I will be sharing more about returning to racing after a break next week.
I had 2 races in the spring, and I was really excited for them. I did obsess over every little twinge but being vaccinated, I wasn’t nervous about COVID at all. Hopefully, your race has some mitigations in place at the start line to avoid transmission. You got this!!!!
thanks hopefully my little twinges are nothing and they won’t derail me!
I fixate on every twinge all the time — but obviously should pay more attention. You are going to have so much fun. Cherry BLossom will be a great return to racing event!
thanks fingers crossed!
Oh yes! I’m pretty in tune with my body (and really try to listen when it whispers to me). So, every little twinge or tweet can mess with my head, especially close to race day. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about, but still.
It definitely can mess with your head!
I think you’ll do great. Try to remember that there are probably a lot of other people feeling anxious for the same reasons, and just enjoy it. I know… easy for me to say from my comfy chair. I also haven’t raced in about that long! I need to get back to it.
It sure has been a long time!
My last race in person was in February 2020 too. I cannot wait for a return to racing but I changed my mind and I am not planning anything because many races have already been cancelled or postponed.
Now in Italy we must wear the mask for the first 500 meters and on the finishing line.
I am sure you will run a great Cherry Blossom.
Things are still getting postponed here too.I have my fingers crossed for these!
19 months, almost the same age as my little one! I totally understand – I ran my first pandemic race in April, and it is very WEIRD to be around people for a race, but I think you’re going to have such an amazing experience with your upcoming races and all of those good vibes will come back as soon as you cross the starting line!
Thanks! I sure hope so!
I do tend to obsess over every twinge – especially these days since my hip stopped being cooperative.
I ran my first in-person race in July and I was surprised at how quickly I settled in and it felt like old times. You’ll do great!
I am really excited to get back out there just a little out of practice
Glad to hear it wasn’t a stress fracture! I know my last half was 2/19. Probably my last race was 11/19 but I really don’t remember!
Good luck with your upcoming races!
I know it’s been a long time for me too!
I haven’t run a race either since February 2020 too. Now that I am no longer streaking it is time to find some races and train for them.
That should be fun!
Those are both bucket list races for me, so I am excited for you!
I do fixate on everything leading up to a race. It’s just how I roll LOL.
I have my first big race in October (I’ve done several local events), so we will see how my nerves go.
You have had a little practice the past few months with smaller races so that is always helpful
I’m excited to hear the CB10 is going to take place! Glad your foot issue was a minor one. It is hard sometimes not to obsess. I was a little surprised Hood to Coast went off as planned. There were many people who were highly critical of that decision.
People have very strong feelings these days!