Monday, September 19, 2011

Do you Visualize?

My first marathon is in 26 days and I'm getting a tiny bit nervous.  Everyone talks about visualizing the race, but I've never done it.  I'm running the Detroit Full and I ran the half last year as my first half.  The first half of the full is the exact course of the half of last year (if that makes sense).   

So I already know what to expect for the first 13 miles, it's the second 13.2 that I'm a bit worried about.  I've studied the map a million times and have an idea of what I'm getting myself into.  Surprisingly, I'm not doubting that I can finish the distance; I just want to be upright and actually running at that point.  

Have you ever visualized a race?  Do you visualize the beginning or the end?  I'm not sure if I should be doing more mentally to get ready. 

I feel very confident in my training and have found the right fueling techniques that work for me, but I'm not sure if there is such a thing as mental prep.  

Any thoughts from you experienced marathoners for a newbie??!!

3 comments:

  1. I don't have any great words of advice except to just keep telling yourself that 'you're strong, ready, and can do this!" that has gotten me through a lot of races. We should try to meet up before the race! I'm only doing the half, but I'd love to meet you! (or maybe at the expo?)

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  2. Relax and have fun! Make sure to take in the entire experience from the crowd support, to the sights of the city.

    Best of luck to you!

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  3. I like to tell my participants to drive the course if they have an opportunity. This helps ensure there are no surprises on the course for you. Also, I use visualization as a way of relaxing. Just imagine your favorite route or mile and mentally place your self there when things get tough!

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