Oh hi! I’m hoping you’ve stopped by to find out how I’m doing the week of my race. (Or maybe you’re here to link with Tuesday Topics, which I host with Jenn from Runs With Pugs.) Either way, thanks for indulging me! In my last post, Wendy left a comment saying “This is the calmest I can remember you’ve been before a race.” Yes- I’m excited, but not making myself crazy about this one.
As a reminder, this race is on my actual birthday, my 60th. It’s definitely occurred to me that if something goes wrong, like I fall and get injured early on, I could be setting myself up for the worst birthday ever.
Here’s the thing- this has actually happened. Two years ago, I trained for the Forgotten Florida 50 mile race. It was my first 50 mile attempt, and I threw every ounce of energy I had into training. I absolutely had my heart set on running this race, so much so that I wore a mask for an entire week before the race to insure that I wouldn’t get sick.
It was my “dream race,” and then… eight miles into the race I fell, sprained my ankle, and had to drop out. It was the worst possible outcome, and guess what? I survived.
Hobbling around on a sprained ankle definitely sucked, but two months later it was healed up, life had returned to normal, and I realized I really wasn’t any more or less happy than if I had finished the race.
“Enjoy the process, because nothing else is guaranteed.” I can’t remember where I heard that quote, but my experience at Forgotten Florida really brought it home. Nothing is guaranteed on race day. I know that, so I’m just going to show up to this race and take whatever the day gives me. Of course, if the day doesn’t “give” me 60 miles, I’ll be pissed, but in that case I’ll attempt 60 miles another time.
Meanwhile, my husband has started saying things like “Think about getting extra sleep this week”, “Have you ever tried visualization?” and ‘You should make sure to get enough electrolytes.” Ahem- YOU ARE MANSPLAINING. Oddly, I HAVE heard of the benefits of sleep, mental strategies including, but not limited to, visualization, and electrolytes. I know he’s trying to help, but…SHEESH.
Well, I’m off to get a good night’s sleep! Come back tomorrow for more nitty gritty logistics about the race (are you tired of hearing about it yet??? I hope not…)
Join us next week —> Favorite way to welcome spring?
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
23 Responses
You have such a great mindset!
This stranger on the internet is cheering for you across the miles!
I can understand your husband’s need to give obvious advice- I want to tell you to stay hydrated, which I know you know, but thr brain wants to say something! It’s the mom in me.
Race race race!
Thank you!!! I feel the cheering coming through loud and clear, and I appreciate it : )
I am SO EXCITED for you doing this race, Jenny!! I am here for all the nitty gritty logistics about this race and what your strategy is.
That quote about enjoying the process is a great one – but I am so far away from it. Unfortunately, I am still very hooked on to the outcome of a race, with all the downsides that it brings.
Your approach is a much more solid place to be mentally. Calm, realistic, and not clinging to a specific outcome – that’s usually when things go right!
“Show up and take what the day gives” is the strongest mindset you could bring into this.
I’m definitely hoping that things go right! I’m pretty optimistic, but anything can happen- I learned that the hard way!
I CANNOT wait to follow along and want to hear all the details about EVERYTHING.
You’ve got this, Jenny.
I have a feeling I’ll be taking a nap on my 60th birthday, so your approach is far more inspirational – haha.
Thank you Elisabeth! And don’t worry- there will be plenty naps. I’m taking the next two days off work after the race, and it will be nap-palooza!
I am extremely interested in all of the details of your race. I like the idea of a major physical milestone for a milestone birthday. I decided to do a backpacking trip for my 40th.
However I will never run an ultra marathon of any kind but I love hearing the details. Just to say I’m enjoying being along for the ride on all your race details. I’m excited for you and your perspective on the outcome is a good one.
Thank you Sak! I definitely like a big milestone for a big birthday. I didn’t do anything big for my 50th and the day felt kind of flat. At least this one will be memorable!
We’re not tired of hearing about the race, just jittery and excited for you to toe up at the starting line! As you start planning your recaps, remember that one per mile raced is about the right number.
Forgotten Florida is a great name for the race 2 years ago…disappointing in the moment, and ancient history now. It’s true that nothing is guaranteed and the more miles that are in the race the more that can go wrong and yada yada yada….it is not your first time at the rodeo, and you’re prepared. What’s that mantra that we have around here? Oh yes: “what if it all works out?”
YES! Hey, I need to drink out of that mug every day between now and the race.
So you think 60 race recaps is a good number? I can probably do that!!!
I think your mindset of enjoying the process is a great one to have, especially for ultras. With such a big distance to cover, a finish is never guaranteed but it will always be an adventure and a good story no matter the outcome. I believe you will finish your 60 miles though!
Thank you Ashley! As you said- it will be an adventure no matter what.
Your (very healthy) mindset reminds me of the advice I was given by the midwife who delivered my daughter. I didn’t want an epidural (I was fully team epidural until they showed us the needle in prenatal classes…terrifying!) and she told me to have my preferences in mind, but to not be too wedded to them. Because things happen. My cousin wanted a water birth, and her labor was too short and fast and they barely made it to the hospital. Her next baby was a c-section. The outcome? Healthy, happy babies. No water birth. For me, I didn’t have an epidural, but that’s because by the time I decided that needle was NOT SCARY AT ALL GIVE ME THE NEEDLE! It was too late. Which was fine, because once I knew that labor was almost over and I could push soon, I felt better. Anyway, nice way to make it all about me, right?
Back to you and your race. I suspect that your relaxed attitude and hard work are going to pay off, just like Alysa Liu. Bring the joy!
I had a similar experience with with childbirth! I wanted a water birth but both times it didn’t work out. My midwife had also stressed to me that I shouldn’t get too attached to any one birth scenario- you just never know what’s going to happen.
I love the comparison to Alysa Liu. Yes, I am just like an Olympic gold medalist, lol. But- she is a good role model.
Your husband’s advice is sweet and well-intended but it’s annoying to get unsolicited advice. I’ve found that I don’t really want advice from Phil. I want to vent and for him to smile and nod and not make suggestions. LOL. I just need a sounding board and validation about things I’m venting about. Some things are unsolvable! But it is cute that he cares about your race and is making suggestions!
I hope you have a wonderful race experience. But you you know that whatever happens, it’s just one day and you will have other races in the future (well, nothing is for certain but there’s a good chance you’ll race again!).
Thank you Lisa! And, I hope by now Phil has learned that you don’t really want advice when you’re venting. Sometimes you just want to vent- you’re not asking people to fix things.
It’s getting so close!!!
I’m glad you’re focusing on rest this week – you know I’m a sleep evangelist!!! Good luck Jenny!!
Thank you Nicole!!! I’m definitely trying my hardest to sleep well- some nights are better than others. But it all works out because I’m a champion napper.
I’m really excited for you!!! Keep on talking about the 60-mile quest, not just everyone can speak of taking on such a challenge 😉 I hope the remainder of the week goes well, and race day sines bright and beautiful for you. Happy 60th, in more ways than one! This isn’t your 60th race, but chance?
Oh my gosh – that sprained ankle race sounds dreadful. I’m cracking up at your husband giving you advice. Has he met you? Sending you good thoughts and I’m team GET LOTS OF SLEEP.
Aww, I think it’s sweet that your husband is invested in your success! But I also know you already know those things. Haha. Can’t wait to hear about your race! Your race recaps are always fascinating to read.
Love that you got the support of your husband… and ALL of your internet friends. You’ll do amazing!
I didn’t get my post completed in time to join the linkup, but I’m still here to see how your week leading up to YOUR 60-MILE RACE is going! Sending lots of positive vibes your way for a fabulous race!