Cooling down the panic

It's 50 degrees out, warm enough to run but raining. I went. Last time as I was running I think I felt a panic take over and I didn't run so well although I still kept my time. My first 90 minute run, I felt the panic overtake me again. "I can't do this, what the hell was I thinking. There is just no way." Over and over in my head. I tried telling myself others have done this but still I tried talking myself out of it.

When I got to my 90 minute walk segment. I had to give my self a scolding that my running was erratic and I'm letting my panic take over. I need to do the next 3 minutes calmly. If I'm going to get through this run I need to get my head on, calm down, focus and relax. Yes that's right relax. I tried to make sure my upper body is relaxed while running because why waste energy being tense.

It worked. I got through the rest of my run without the panic. I still have those thoughts of failure and I'm crazy but I try to keep it quiet and I try to think of what I'll say when I do make that half marathon.

I like to point out that from this I am learning that running is not all about the physical. It is the mental as well, especially when you are thinking of doing something extraordinary and a half marathon from someone whose never ran or like running is extraordinary to me. :0)

2.16 miles in 30 minutes, that's a 13.8 minute mile.