random pre-half marathon thoughts

Well, here we are. My first race of the season is in two days. Who would have thought that I would just go out and run a half marathon? AND have a goal time? Wow...how a year changes things! Last year I did the 10km and I thought my heart was going to fall out and beat itself to death on the pavement...this year I am thinking I could do this run under 2 hours. And feel good. Justin's advice is to do the first half in an hour and the second half in just under an hour. Sounds simple. But he also said to concentrate on getting all my nutrition into my body in that first half. Many people wait too long and then have nothing left for those last 5 km. I am going to wear my Garmin. I was thinking maybe I wouldn't but I don't want to be crazy in the first part with all the hub bub and he also said to keep an eye on my HR as if it gets too high, stop and walk just a couple of steps to bring it down as that will also save things for the end. He was pretty confident all my training will come home for those last few kilometers. He also suggested I warm up before the race. I know, I know!! I have never warmed up...EVER!! I have always used the first few kms as a warm up. I looked myself up the other day to see what my times have been in the past. In 2002, I did the Manitoba Half in 2:16:25 but was 4 months pregnant so I don't really think that counts!!! In 2005, I did this same half in 2:04.15. Had not really ran much, signed up the day before and walked a good chunk of the last 3-4 kms. Totally blew up. NOW, I know so much more about pacing, heart rates, nutrition, listening to my own body, totally run my own run. I am looking in my "vault" and I have done pretty much every run Justin has given me, I have added sets when I have the time, I have done them dead on for HR and pacing, I have been on my bike more than I have ever imagined possible, I feel overall I am fitter than I have ever been in my life!!

Let's Rock and Roll!!!