Visualizing the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

I've always heard the advice that you should visualize your race ahead of time, seeing yourself achieving your goals and doing your best.  I don't think I've truly visualized a race before.  With the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler a few days away, I find that I can't help but visualize it!

I'm seeing the course in my mind as I fall asleep at night.  I know where the water stops are.  I know where I will have my GU (mile 4 and mile 7.5).  I know where the photographers will be.  I know there is a hill just at the end.  I know mile 5 will be thick with spectators that will quickly disappear as I approach the Hains Point segment.  I found the course guide and garmin data from "Amanda Runs" to be especially helpful in my visualizations.

I can't yet visualize what I will be wearing.  The running weatherman forecast looks beautiful - mid 40s to mid 50s for the race.  Which surprisingly leaves me a bit stymied.  I've been running in mid 20s to mid 30s for my training.  I know what to wear in those temperatures.  I've tested out those clothes to make sure they don't have an itchy tag or a weird chafing spot.  Surprisingly I don't know the right clothes for such nice weather.  So I will have to ruminate on that a bit more.

I'm excited for packet pickup and the expo on Friday.  I'm excited to check into the hotel on Saturday that my friend Kathryn generously gifted to me with her reward points.  I'm excited to experience the race on Sunday, and to do my best to complete ten miles before the course cut-off time of 2:20.  I have trained well, and I should be able to do it.  I will visualize it, and I will do my best.