Runner's Anxiety?

It's hard to believe that our big race is merely days away.  Where has time gone?  In some ways it feels like I've been training forever and other times I feel so under-prepared.  I'm not sure why but the pre-race jitters started days ago for me.  It seems silly though-I know that I will not come in first place and I'm certain I will not be the last, since thousands of runners will be going twice the distance.  I'm bound to make it back before some of them do.  I'm a slow but productive runner so I don't expect to be picked up by the bus--at least that is my goal!  At this point I'm ready to do it and be done so I can have that moment.  Josh feels the same way, although he is faster than me so his concern is the hills.  Cincinnati is built around hills...our new home is flat as a pancake.

I keep envisioning the finish line and I have to admit I start to choke up--I'm a dork in that respect and things like that make me cry.  If you run, and I cheer you on--I will probably cry for you.  One of my quirks I suppose.

It feels a little bit like Christmas morning or some other grand excitement.  I have my to-do list, my clothes are washed and set out just waiting to go for the longest run I've ever been on.

My good friend, Amy, suggested Rory make a sign to hold while he cheers us on.  I thought it was a great idea so we spent the evening painting a poster.  I asked Rory, "If you cheer someone on in a race, what would your sign say?"  He held up his hand like a crossing guard and said, "STOP!"  So, lesson learned...if you want Rory to cheer you on make sure it's at the finish line because he'll be sure to tell you when to STOP!   This kid cracks me up!

We finally settled on, "You got this!"  It's what I tell him when he's frustrated or trying to master a new skill.  There are a lot of new things to learn as an almost 3 year old and he wants so badly to be independent and do things by himself.  I say it to Josh when he's going into a new situation or gets called away.  It's what I tell myself when I need a pep-talk, trying something new or meeting new people.  I repeat the phrase over and over during those last few minutes of each long run.  Each long run that gets longer than the one before.  "You got this!"

See you at the finish line!