Comments on: Dopey Challenge Update: One Month to Go

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:37:34 +0000

Oh, no! I’d be upset, too…sorry to hear that. All that counts is we finish, though, right?!

That’s true…I know it’ll be a lot different running 20+ miles on Disney property than it has been running around my neighborhood!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:36:39 +0000

Thanks, Kristina — I really appreciate that! I’m in the taper now, and while I’m loving the much-needed rest, I’m also getting antsy about GETTING THIS DONE. I know Todd is going to be an awesome spectator, too…he’s been the best support system, and I’m definitely looking forward to that moment at this finish line!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:35:21 +0000

Thanks so much, Lauren! Having company makes long runs go by so much faster, that’s for sure…and I do the same thing when getting ready for a race! I’ve found that keeping my mind busy with small tasks, one at a time, can distract me from any potential freak-outs, haha.

That’s awesome! We’re running the Rock N’ Roll Marathon in DC in April — it’s part of the Rock N’ Roll series. Super exciting about the Women’s Half, I really want to do that one! Best of luck!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 17:33:07 +0000

Thank you! This is really, REALLY good to know…and makes me feel a lot better!

By: Good-Bye 2013, Hello Dopey Challenge

Good-Bye 2013, Hello Dopey Challenge — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:57:38 +0000

[...] had written in a previous post how nervous I was about tackling the marathon completely on my own, and now I was going to get a [...]

By: Danielle

Danielle — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 16:48:29 +0000

Race day adrenaline goes A LONG WAY. My 18 & 20 mile runs before my first marathon were SO bad I almost canceled my trip and didn’t go. I was 100% convinced there was no way I was finishing. Glad I didn’t do that though because I finished fine and LOVED it!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 21:04:05 +0000

Welcome back to the blogging world :0) Sounds like you’ve been super busy lately! I have never been late to a race, but I would be so frustrated if I did. That is crazy awesome y’all still ran it after getting there late though.

I haven’t ever trained with someone for a race, but I have had company on a couple runs here lately, and I love it. It helps keep me distracted!

As for pre-race jitters, I usually give myself little tasks until race start… get ipod ready…use the restroom…make sure my Garmin is good to go… etc. It helps to make the time pass less slowly lol.

I am excited to find out more about this other marathon you signed up for! I’ll be in DC next spring as well actually. Not for the same race, but b/c I got into the Nike Women’s Half!!

Best of luck in your last few weeks of Dopey training; you’re doing GREAT!

By: Abby

Abby — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 19:30:53 +0000

I’m always very careful to get to races early, but I was late to the NYRR 18 Miler Tune up last year (1st time every running that far as well!). They picked up the mats right after I started and when I finished, they picked up the mats right after me. Talk about a terrible race. I was in tears.

Most of the time if I’m training with someone, I don’t usually run the race I’m training for with them. You’ll be fine- there will be 20,000 of your closest friends!

By: Kristina @ Blog About Running

Kristina @ Blog About Running — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 17:05:53 +0000

I don’t want to put any added pressure on you, but I really have no doubt that you are GOING to do this. Self-doubt is hard and being towards the end of your training cycle is no doubt providing you with the toughest training you’re going to experience. Just remember you’re going to feel refreshed and ready to rock after your taper!

Also, I kind of have a feeling that Todd is going to chase you around the course and be there to cheer you on from every cheer zone! Plus think of how awesome it will be to see him at the finish line waiting with open arms!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:05:13 +0000

Flustered isn’t even the word for it! I freaked out a little bit. It ended up being a lot of fun, regardless, so it all worked out in the end…but I hate being late in general!

I want you to know that I really, REALLY appreciate your advice as a seasoned marathoner. As a first-timer, it’s hard to know if I’m doing this “right”…I’m following the plan and all, but it’s good to know that even if my long runs aren’t always the best experiences for me, that they WILL help get me across that finish line next month. I’m taking it very seriously, believe me — I know what a huge deal 26.2 really is, and want to make sure I do everything in my power to prepare for it! Thanks again.