There’s a lot to be said about not putting expectations on yourself and having fun while you run. You never know, you may get a pb. The same goes for strength workouts and intervals.
You probably get where I’m going here.
I raced on Sunday.
I did really well.
I’m proud of myself.
The forecast was not good and the closer it got, the more nervous I felt. I’ve run in the rain before, so if I had to I would. It’s just really uncomfortable and makes you really cold. “Pull up your big girl panties and get on with it, I said, what kind of silliness is this, take note of that tatt on your ankle. Mind over matter. It’s only water after all”. Having got that out of my head, I felt better, and then the weather cleared up.
By the time the 10k started it was only a little windy, and there was 5 mins of rain during the race. As I lined up I decided subconsciously that I would not look at my watch, I was going to concentrate on not falling over myself and face plant into a puddle.
Last time I thought of that, I kept sneaking peaks after the first 4kms. This time, I didn’t look at all, even when I finished. Saved the workout and looked for my husband. And only when he said what he did, did I look at my time.
The course we ran had changed to the parkrun x 2 laps as the wind had been blowing the road signs everywhere as they set up. I didn’t mind as the whole thing was new to me. And two laps of 5km is not too bad, better than two of 10 or 20k.
Its a beautiful course, winding along the river bank for 2.5kms, completely flat and easy to run. I ran by feel as I’ve tried before, not thinking about anything but being at ease, resting the shoulders, moving forward with good movements. My only thought was to try and keep the 60min pacer close by or behind me slightly.
On my way back in the first 5 a friend was waiting and getting pictures of the RMA’s on course. I waved and gave thumbs up, smiling and continuing on. Not thinking about it until I saw her again on the last lap. I was having fun and feeling good so had a go at the jump shot. She got both attempts and it was great to see the joy in my face for once. I tend to look so serious during races that to see a picture with the inside feelings coming out was just amazing.
I kept cruising, self talking the ‘stay steady, don’t race, enjoy the finish’. So up the finishers chute with a big grin and feeling damned good. Tired, but good.
I wandered out to find hubby and he was looking pretty pleased, a big hug and photos with him saying “that was fast” I questioned, and said I never looked at my watch, his reply was that I wasn’t too far behind the 50min pacer…a check of my watch and Omg! Another pb! I was fast. The thing is, I didn’t feel fast, I felt comfortable, I wasn’t too tired. These are the things I am after. Finishing a race with more in the tank. Doing a race easier, steadier.
There is a lot to be said for not putting expectations on yourself.
For having fun when you run.
Most importantly, for those strength and interval workouts.
My official time? 56.47.
A new pb by 1.07. While I am not worried about being quicker than 55mins, you never know what might happen with 8 or so more races to go this year.
Have you done a race where you’ve completely surprised yourself with a result?
Have you tried the jump shot? Did you succeed?
Let’s share some feel good stories (and pictures if you want).
Train well and have fun running
Run. Ride. Eat. 