Run Walk Repeat

A Fun Life At All Paces

Facing My First Marathon Fears and Realizing I Am The Zero Point 5 Percent

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In just under 2 weeks I have the Walt Disney World Full Marathon. My first. AND I say this with confidence, ONE AND DONE.  How am I feeling?  Scared. I have been facing my Marathon Fears.

scariest moment

Has my training been 100% as planned. Nope. Am I proud of that nope.I have slowed down considerably and I will say after the Jeff Galloway Half, I had a spark of hope. I got to his race expo early and talked to him a bit. He is so kind. He suggested I cut my running intervals DOWN so I will be less tired at the end.  He also gave me some tips on starting out slow so I don’t go out too fast.

Funny thing, after a couple months of self doubt, from my conversation with Jeff, I started readjusting my race strategy and decided I WILL finish. I decided like many friends have been telling me, I need to STOP saying “IF I finish”. I need to say WHEN I finish.

Only 0.5% of the population has finished a full marathon. Why I decided to join this group is beyond me, I haven’t liked the training AT.ALL. I am too slow and its too long to be out. I have had aches in strange places after and during my long training runs.I have experienced “the runners flu” after a run too. Many a thought of why am I doing this?

I got a new power of suggestion positive mantra from it all though:

point5percent

I thought I was doing this race with my BRF, so it would be painful fun for both of us. She had to drop out. Of course I am not mad because life happens. Truthfully though, that was a total bummer because it meant I wouldn’t have her to help pass the miles, but there will be others and I do enjoy racing by myself too.

AND I will NOT be alone. I have many friends running and of course I have those purple Team In Training people too – they will be my savior I think. This is the first runDisney race my family will be at, that makes me so happy.

In my heart I will carry all those who supported my Leukemia Lymphoma Society Fundraiser where I raised over $2500 to help fund research and find a cure. Most heavily in my heart, 2 heroes:

  • My cousin Maryann a Pediatric Leukemia Survivor
  • Current pediatric patient I have never met but have been following – a Napoleon Dynamite fan named Mary Elizabeth.

Notice how my blog kind of stagnated lately? I am 2 fun race recaps behind, I seem to have lost focus on anything but finishing this marathon since November. I have been afraid and anxious. I have wondered how in the heck will I make it.  When I signed up it was to challenge myself to something I said I never wanted or thought I could do. I had a little mishap with a Dansko clog this week and kind of twisted my ankle – not bad, but you know I am now super sensitive to every ache and pain. I know cardio wise I can handle the LONG day of this race, but am scared my feet will give out. I chickened out on the 20 miler in the rain this morning since my ankle was sore and well I had advised my coach and he told me OK to hold off a day.

I am hoping somehow on January 11th, I will become one of the 0.5 percent – I don’t care what it takes to cross the finish line. I am putting the above motto on the back of my shirt for the race. If you see me on the race course or at the finish, please cheer me on. I know it will not be easy.I don’t want to ride the bus to the finish , I have never had a Did Not Finish before. All I know, is I will do my best to #BeThePointFivePercent.

#IAmThatPoint5Percent. Its a thing.

Let me know of any rituals or things you do to calm your nerves before a big race. 

 

Julie @RunWalkRepeat
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About Julie @RunWalkRepeat

Wife, Mom, Southerner, Former Cubicle Dweller, Sting Fanatic and Reluctant Runner. I got started on family a little later in life than most and run for my health. A fan of Food, Entertainment, Travel, Galloway Running and Disney, I like to find the fun in all things in life.

Comments

  3. Mer @ ScootaDoot says

    Something happened recently that really scared the crap out of me. And I went from being fearless to fearful. I allowed myself to feel that way… for a day. And then I said, Okay, self. It’s time to focus on getting back to being fearless again. Not easy but definitely worth doing. I’m not saying that your marathon will be EASY but it will definitely, DEFINITELY be worth doing. I can’t wait to hear all about it! xo
    Mer @ ScootaDoot recently posted…Always Look On The Bright Side of LifeMy Profile

  4. Elyse says

    The fact that you registered for a full marathon is impressive in itself. Something I have no intention of doing! Your feelings are very common and express how I am feeling for my upcoming half (Princess Half, Glass Slipper Challenge actually). I haven’t trained as much as I know I should have and am scared to death of getting swept. Racing is just as much mental as it is physical. I’ve done one half a couple years ago, so I know that I am capable and not finishing is not a option. I just keep saying to myself “You can do this.” Well, guess what? YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Good luck on your first full marathon. Marathon weekend at Disney is amazing so try to enjoy it.

    • Julie @RunWalkFastpass says

      Thanks Elyse..I finished my first Princess Half with Plantar Fascitis and it wasn’t fun in the end, but I did it and was so proud. I appreciate your encouragement and yeah, disney is amazing… even from foot.

  5. April @ Runthegreatwidesomewhere says

    I’m so proud of you for even stepping up to this challenge (which I am not brave enough to do yet!) and I have NO doubt that you will finish and finish strong! I can’t wait to read your recap and I hope to run into you at the parks that weekend!

  6. Rachel says

    I can only imagine how nervous you are, but you will do great. You WILL finish. Doesn’t even matter how much you have to walk, or go slow. FINISH is the goal. You can do it!!!

  7. Suzanne says

    You can and will be the 5%. I am totally freaked out by this as well and have no idea what to expect.
    Just know that I am cheering you on every step of the way. Lots of love from us here.

  10. Anne says

    I’m starting near the back of the pack so if you’re starting off slow we should meet up at some point on the course and I’ll do what I can to get you to the end – smiling with a beverage in hand!!! 🙂

    Just look for a Jessie hobbling along!!

    You’ve got this girl!!
    Anne recently posted…Training Update and Corral WoesMy Profile

  11. .Amy H says

    Julie,
    You are a survivor of so many things. You will be a finisher! I’ll be cheering you on, for the west coast!

  12. Jenn says

    Girl, I am right there with you. This is my one and done, too, and while I have kept to the training pretty well, I am discouraged and nervous and … oh yeah, terrified.

    I have no experience on which to draw, but I will say to trust yourself and just get plenty of rest and sleep and lots of water and nutritious food. And that’s all you can do.

    Best of luck! That finish line is going to be a glorious thing.
    Jenn recently posted…weekly recap: 12/21 – 12/27My Profile

  14. Julia says

    Julie,

    Even though I’ve never done a full, I understand the nerves. The funny thing is, those same feelings are going to propel you on race day. Listen to your body, take it slow, and savor crossing the finish line. I’m so proud of you and know you are going to own this marathon like nothing else. I will be up cheering you and the other ladies on on race day. Thank you for continuing to inspire and motivate. Love you!

  15. Bill Culver says

    You can do this! Don’t question the things that didn’t happen but rely on the training that did happen. I just ran my first marathon four weeks ago and made many mistakes during the run. Still, I am the point five percent! Nice post. Hope to see you in 2 weeks.

  16. Bonnie says

    Julie I am so proud of you for signing up for this Marathon. As I always say, my fave quote is “the miracle isn’t that you finished its that you had the courage to start!” That’s the biggest obstacle just getting out there to try. You will be amazing! I will be cheering for you. You’ve got this!