Heeeey everyone! It’s another Fabulous Friday! What makes it so fabulous?
1. The weather (yep, told you this would be on here every week). Seriously though, it’s fabulous right now. Andrew and I are going to a free movie (technically it’s a drive in but pedestrians get in for free) at Eakins Oval tonight in Philly to watch King Kong vs. Godzilla and to eat yummy food truck food. We might not even need a blanket because it’s so nice out!
2. Because this exists. Yep, the genius people at Trader Joe’s decided that their amazing cookie butter wasn’t good enough on its own, and mixed it with chocolate. I will never be the same after trying this.
3. I got asked to be a bridesmaid in my best friend’s wedding! She was my very best friend in high school, and we’ve stayed good friends throughout college, grad school, and real life. She was my Maid of Honor at my wedding in June, and I can’t wait to help her walk down the aisle next October!
This was our last “engaged BFFs” pic, right before she zipped me into my dress!
Now on to the not-so-fabulousness of my Friday: this giant looming dread of dying in tomorrow’s Runner’s World 10k. I don’t want to complain and whine all night on here, but not only do I feel that I’m not prepared for this thing, I also feel kind of injured. How did that happen? Well last night was my last run before the race, and I wanted it to be a good one. I figured that if I ran a good strong sub-30:00 three mile run I would feel more confident going into the race. And I felt good yesterday, and it wasn’t even too hot out. So I went out strong in the first mile…which somehow led to some extreme side stitches right around mile 1. I had to stop and walk/stretch at least 3 times while running. It was absolutely horrible during the downhill sections. At mile 2 I actually stopped for a few minutes and walked because it was that painful. So there I was, walking in the rain with a horrible side stitch and some pain in my right leg, feeling like a failure. But then it started raining harder, and I had no choice but to run as fast as I could through the pain back to my car. I stopped my watch each time I had to stop and walk, so the running portion actually only took me 30:32 to do. So I left feeling much better about my ability to push through pain, and figured that would mentally help me in the 10k. But now my shins hurt and I’m scared that running tomorrow is going to cause a bigger injury. I’m a mess. Thanks to all of your nice words of encouragement on Wednesday, I decided to go ahead with running the 10k and not worry about the what-ifs of running it. But now I’m more nervous than ever! And the worst part is that there are lots of hills in Bethlehem, and there will be a huge crowd (it will be the largest race I’ve ever done), and olympic athletes and all the big people in running will be there running it with me. So I’m really scared and feel overwhelmed. Sorry for the long vent, but I’m hoping all you other unprepared runners will be able to understand me. I’m going to be super nervous until the race is over and I’m wearing that finisher’s medal and drinking beer at the post-race party. But that’s the life of a newbie runner, right?
Who else is running a race this weekend? Are you nervous yet? And if you feel extra awesome give me some advice on how to get through this race tomorrow! I need a race mantra!
Mom in the Mtns 
I just want to say that I ADORE that picture of you and your friend. You both look so happy!
And good luck in the race tomorrow! You’ll be drinking that beer in the finishers tent in no time 🙂
Thank you! It was a pretty awesome day! And thanks for wishing me good luck. I know I’m just in a pre-race state of terror right now but I can’t wait to drink and stuff my face after its over!
I am already all tied in knots over my race next weekend…I can’t help it! haha You’re definitely not alone!
Just try to go out and have fun! I’m sure you’ll rock it! Good luck!
Thanks! I know I’m being silly right now, I do this before every race. I shouldn’t be allowed to post things the night before races haha. But I’m sure it’s going to be fun once I get there!
Good luck with the race! I would love to do one of the Runners’ World races but the timing hasn’t worked out yet. Maybe next year! Try to relax and not stress too much – if you have to slow down or stop it’s okay! The most important thing is to have fun!
Thanks! I know, as long as I finish I’ll be happy. It’s hard right before a race to be positive sometimes but I’m sure I’ll be fine!
You will rock that 10K! It’s funny because every run is different like that and race atmosphere creates such a different environment that just can’t be recreated in training.
I have a half marathon on Sunday that I’m feeling less than prepared for. I was feeling very strong and like I had a sub-2 half locked in a month or so ago, but between my hip injury and my decrease in motivation, mileage, and training recently I’m not so sure about it anymore.
Anyways, just do your best and know that no matter how it shakes out you accomplished something great, learn from it, and start prepping for your next race. And enjoy that beer too!
Thanks girl! I knew you would be positive about it. Good luck on your race too!
Don’t let yesterday’s bad run ruin your race!
Your body follows where your mind goes, so you have to stay positive. Just remember all of your fantastic runs, and let all the people around you motivate you. I prefer bigger races to smaller ones 🙂
Have fun! Remember, you do this because you love it 😉
True! I need to stockpile some positive mantras for when it gets tough. “I do this because I love it” sounds like a good start! I’m more scared of an injury than the actual race, so hopefully my positivity will ward off any pain! And I agree, I love having tons of people cheering should help!
That cookie butter looks so good! I might have to pick some up next time I go to Trader Joe’s, although that might lead to an unhealthy addiction. Can’t wait to hear how your race went. I am sure it was better than you expected!