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.
Very excited for you! I am pretty sure I'll be spectating on Memorial Bridge. I have a few 10 milers to cheer for then a 5K person after that. Not sure where else I'll make it because of road closures and how well I don't navigate DC! I'm confident that I'll be at the finish line too though!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see you on Sunday Gina!
DeleteI love visualizing a race before hand, it helps me so much! When I was training for my first Princess Half, I'd put the course map up on my fridge and each training run I'd mark how far I'd gotten on the course and imagine what it would be like from reading recaps and seeing photos! Best of luck on your race!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great suggestion April! I'm definitely doing that with my next training cycle. Thanks for commenting on my blog!
DeleteYou seem to be doing everything right in the preparation department, Kim. I'm thirlled for your big day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kevin!
Delete