I briefly mentioned yesterday that about a day before I ran the Hog Jog I realized it was good I had signed up for a morning race. All my 5k's have been evening runs, and having my first morning race occur the day of the half probably wouldn't be the best idea.
Here are a couple things I realized after Saturday morning.
First, I need to make sure I go to bed on time and wake up ready to run. Saturday morning I would have been just as thrilled turning the alarm off and sleeping in. Granted the half will be the cumulation of 18 weeks of hard work versus part of the training.
Second, I am aware of the possibility of nightmares. The morning of the race I woke up dreaming I didn't have the right shoes and they wouldn't hold off the start for me to get some. Oddly enough, in April I went to St. Cloud without my shoes .... who knew that would haunt me! I don't know what I will do to stop the nightmares, but good to know they are a possibility.
Third, breakfast. Race nerves absolutely gave me butterflies and made it hard to eat. And I know I will need to eat before tackling 13.1. This is something morning training runs cant help with either, because they don't induce the same nervous, pit in stomach feelings.
What have you done to figure out race day routines and obstacles? What can you prepare for? What has caught you off guard?
Just about 60 days until race day!!
Edited to add: Fourth, don't go out too fast! This is not specific to morning races, but a reminder from Saturday's race. I went out and ran high 10/low 11 minute miles for the first three miles. According to my watch, I ran the first 5k in 33 minutes (plus some odd seconds). That is fast for me. While I reached my goal for the race, the last two miles were quite a bit slower. That was two more miles, not 10. Gotta learn to match pace with distance.
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