5 Phases of Race Day

I'd like to say that in my community people come out to participate in races just for the fun of it and to show support for the organization that is sponsoring or being the beneficiary of the race.


Unfortunately that doesn't always seem to be the case because most people that run our local races seem to be super fast runners and are always gunning for an AG award. Also, our local races bring out a ton of high school students who are track stars in their own right. This can be kind of intimidating for an average runner like myself.

For that reason, I am often more nervous at local races than I am at large races such as Disney, RnR races, or any other destination race. I think I know that I can just blend in with the crowd there. At local races, I feel like I need to hold myself more accountable.

But regardless of the location or size of the race, I find myself going through these same emotions throughout the course of the race.

Finish lines


Pre-Race: The pre-race jitters. I get this more so at smaller local races. It might be the pressure to perform well. There's always the need to use the port o potty even after I just visited one.  At large races such as Disney, the nervousness is more subdued and I am more excited and pumped. I think it has to do with the atmosphere. At most local races, there really isn't a whole lot to do but stand around and wait. At large races, they keep you entertained.

Start of Race:  At local races I always go out way to fast because my body tries to keep up.  At large races where I am corralled properly, I start at an easy pace that's comfortable to me.

Mid Race:  Regardless of distance, my thought during every race is Ugg, this is hard, I don't care about my time anymore, I don't care about the goal I set, Maybe I should just walk a little.

End of Race:  Again, regardless of distance, when I know the finish line is near, I start to get heart palpitations real bad. I don't know if it is the excitement or what. Even if i'm dragging, I pick it up at the end and ALWAYS sprint across that finish line (or maybe I just think I'm sprinting).  Of course it takes me a while to catch my breath.

Post Race: I probably look like a zombie as I collect a water and medal (if applicable) and then its off to find my friends/ family or a place to rest for a moment.  A minute later, I feel so accomplished  and am so glad I participated in the race. Races usually set the tone for the entire day. How can you have a bad day after just completing any race? -M



/>

18 comments:

  1. I can relate to your mid-race sentiment. I always question why I do this and tell myself it's ok to slow down...even though I don't.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just had these thoughts last weekend! I always seem to have a mile 3 desire to DNF and a mile 10 "we're almost there" thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually have a mile 3 "why am I doing this" thought.

      Delete
  3. Those are dead on - every time!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I do like the smaller local races but yes they do bring out the fasties sometimes!I often question why I do it! Thanks for the link up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right! I guess if it wasn't for us average runners the "fasties" wouldn't look so fast!

      Delete
  5. Mile 2 of a 5K is the WORST! I always think to myself "why am I doing this?!"

    ReplyDelete
  6. In summer, my pre-race is always spent thinking "why did I pay money to do this?" I am not good in the heat. I love to race and I think with out the pre-race jitters, it wouldn't be right. I've done hundreds of races and still have that nervous excitement before every one! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know I looked like a zombie waiting for my post-race goodies after Bolder Boulder. I missed the last water stop, and all I wanted was water. We had to keep walking, up a hill no less, after the finish line. I understand why races want us to keep walking after we've finished, but I feel like I'm part of the Walking Dead.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your assessment is perfect! I always question my sanity mid-run as well, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mid-race during any distance is when I always quit running for good in my head. Then I cross the finish line and I'm all "hey, let's sign up for another race" - LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Our local races really vary. Some are as you describe. Some are more people having fun, supporting the cause, etc (which can be annoying when they have no clue about runner etiquette).

    I usually have my last best mile my last mile -- unless I'm injured, or it's really hot. I like having Rachel to give me a race plan!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love that first pic! Cute way to use as a blog graphic!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Our local races are very similar in nature with the high school students and super fast people! I agree with that post-race feeling of accomplishment!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mid-race thoughts for sure..."I have to run this fast for HOW much longer?"

    ReplyDelete
  14. Perfect assessment! I feel that during the summer, after a long race all I want to do it sit on the couch watching TV and drinking nuun!

    ReplyDelete

Fairytales and Fitness is a personal blog authored and edited by us, Meranda and Lacey. The thoughts expressed here represent only our own and are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Please note that our thoughts and opinions change from time to time. We consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind in an ever changing society. Any thoughts and opinions expressed within our out-of-date posts may not be the same, nor even similar, to those we may express today. Some links may contain affiliate links. Some links are just to pages we'd like to share.