Pre-race Jitters
The Harriman Half is in about 36 hours and I’m feeling nervous, anxious, excited and eerily relaxed, all at the same time. None of those emotions really surprise me, but I did expect that my level of excitement would be a bit higher. I’m thinking about the way I remember feeling leading into Timberman, and during that week I really couldn’t wait to race. I was chomping at the bit to jump in the water and see if I could do the distance (or at least that’s how I remember it!).
I think part of what’s going on in my head now is related to the fact that this race is not my “A” race this season and my focus is on Placid. Last spring and summer, all my training was aimed at Timberman, this weekend’s race doesn’t feel anywhere close to as big of a deal. This race is supposed to be something of a test-run to see how my training has come along, how my nutrition strategy works and what it feels like to do a long race. I’m trying to think of it as a long training day with support (i.e. food and drink) on the course. But, that’s part of the struggle – you see, part of me says “test-run”, but part of me says “race”. I know I’m in considerably better shape than I was at Timberman last year (when I finished the half in 5:12) and I’m really curious how fast I could do that race today. When I first met with John last fall, one of my 2007 goals was to improve my half ironman time and race sub-five hours. Last year, only five people finished the Harriman in less than five hours – I do not expect to be among that group on Saturday. The struggle is made more difficult because I don’t feel like I’ll be able to truly test my speed on Saturday – the hills on the course and the possibility (or likelihood) of rain have got me setting a time goal that’s even considerably slower than 5:12. And that’s frustrating. I know, and keep telling myself, that this isn’t the big test this season and no two race courses are the same, so it’s really impossible to compare without doing Timberman again, but it’s gnawing at me. I also know that this process is not about how fast I can do a half ironman, it’s about pushing myself to the limit and accomplishing something so much bigger than just finishing a race. Still, though, my competitive side creeps into my brain…
My taper is going well, I guess. Monday and Tuesday were relatively “normal” training days, but the rest of the week is easy. Tomorrow is a session mostly just to keep the blood flowing in my legs. At this point, the most important preparation is planning the race in my mind. I’m ready for Saturday, fast or slow, rain or shine.
Run – May 16
Distance: 3.75 miles
Time: 31 minutes
Average heart rate:
Course: West Side Highway
Conditions: Sunny, warm (mid-70’s)
Swim – May 17
Distance: 1,200 yards
Time: 22 minutes