Yup! I have them at the moment. It is Wednesday morning – though you all won’t see this until Saturday by which time I should have a full blown case of nerves.
Back near the end of February and beginning of March, I started getting nervous. I had made this huge goal – a race a month – and I had registered for a half marathon. I had never run more than a 5K before and only two of those. I was worried about a lot of things with that half marathon but the one thing that did not even cross my mind was how many other people were running with me. I knew I was taking the early start. It was, after all, my first half. I knew that the race was not bad compared to where I train. The race director’s sister is a friend of mine. My first 5K had about a thousand people running it so I was set for a half marathon that had a start at one time for walkers, an hour later for early start and a half hour after that for the regular half marathon.
Now, I set here getting ready to run my first really big race. The Mountain Goat in Syracuse in May was a big race. It had somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 runners in the 10 mile race. I didn’t really think of the numbers at that race either. I met up with my cousin before hand and he was with a group of colleagues. I was put at ease by them. They were all younger than I am by about 15 years but they didn’t mind my hanging pre and post race with them.
This weekend, actually Sunday, July 11th – while my family is most likely arguing over how the Tour de France stage went, the first big Alps stage, and watching the World Cup Soccer Championship – I will be running the Boilermaker 15K. This race is huge. The information on the web site said they were cutting off entrants at 11,000. I have a friend who has run it before and I believe he told me that last year it took him between eight and ten minutes to reach the start line. So my nerves have started!!
I am cautiously watching extended forecasts. We are, of course, in the middle of our first big heatwave – record-breaking temps throughout the area – so last minute training is draining. I am checking the local newspaper’s web site for the city the race is in on a daily basis. I am also traveling so am thinking packing and what needs to be taken.
Just so you don’t think I only obsess over running, I am also, as I sit typing this, nine and a half hours away from my first official board meeting. Oh the nerves!!
Nicki's Nook 
Cheering you on from Texas! I will be thinking about you tomorrow.
Thanks, Bec! I think knowing people that I know are wondering how I did makes it easier. Evidently, the race is lined with spectators – another thing that makes me a bit queasy.
Good luck!!!! Am thinking of you this morning and hoping the heat dies down a little for your exciting race!!!
Thanks, Corinne. All plans are made – with a small exception that has to be ironed out – and I am not even at home now. Looks like it might even be a bit cooler for the race since we got slammed with storms and rain last night.
Ooh!!! You can do it!! I actually like the bigger races. More anonymity. (my first 10k was 30,000 and I was passed by darth vader. that was a little demoralizing actually. But overall it was awesome!)
That is funny, Alex! I don’t anticipate any costumed runners in the heat and humidity we have been having. Probably will see more with less on then less with more on. 🙂
The weather looks good Nicki – although less humidity would be better. The online forecast from The Weather Channel lists 67 degrees at 8 am with humidity at 81%.
I do hope to see you tomorrow – although not ever having met before it might be like finding a needle in a haystack! Best of wishes to you – and let’s both just have fun!
Well, the only distinguishing thing I will have on – and not sure if I will keep it on or not after the race – is a pink Niagara visor. Probably would be easier to meet up at Viva some afternoon/evening when I am in town.
I have butterflies myself, you’ll feel better as soon as it starts. You’re going to have a great time!!
You were right, Molly. The minute I finally got to the start line, the nerves all disappeared. 🙂
I did the RnR-Dallas in March. It changed my life. Good luck…you’re do great!
Jae
Thanks for stopping by, Jae! I loved, absolutely loved the race.
Looking forward to hearing how it went! Sounds like it was great, from your tweets!
BLW – race was fantastic!!