I don’t know what it is, but for some reason, I get nervous before my long runs.
The nervousness sets in around mid-week, usually after I finish my third (or….second….) training run of the week and the only run I have left is my long run.
It’s not that I mind long runs once I’m actually doing them (well, maybe the last 3 miles of them) but I just build them up in my head to be this huge big deal. Aka: I psych myself out.
When I laced my shoes up before my long run this weekend, I felt like I was gearing up for battle.
Take a pic of me before my scary long run, Tuna!
What am I scared of?
I’m scared of walking. I’m scared of failing and not being able to finish the run. If I really think about it, I have to ask myself – why am I so scared? What is the worst that will happen?
I’ll have to walk. Or I won’t be able to finish a run. Big deal. That doesn’t make me a terrible person or a failure. But that hasn’t even happened yet. The thought of stopping doesn’t even cross my mind during the run.
It must be all in my head, man.
I was glad I finished this weekend’s run strong (unlike 2 weeks ago) and felt really good!
Please ignore the random ass 0.00 distances. Still gettin’ used to my Garmin!
I tried using some gel fuel for the first time at mile 6, and it really helped.
I definitely felt stronger and less fatigued. It tasted pretty damn disgusting though. I’m going to try a few different flavors (I tried strawberry) before I completely rule out gel. I might be a shotbloks girl.
Only three more long runs to complete before the Shamrock Half! Eek!
Do you get pre-long run jitters?
Please tell me if you have any tricks or tips to prevent dreading your long runs!
Chicken Nugget Girl 
A few things. 1. I still get nervous before my long runs! Really is hard not to build them up! But agreed, why are we so worried!? Silly.
2. Yay for your last mile being one of your fastest!
And 3. I know it’s personal preference but I highly recommend the Gu brand of gel. I like the berry flavors but am legit obsessed with chocolate. I was scared of it bc thought it would taste just like choc icing and be too rich. Does taste exactly like choc icing. But is amazing and no sweeter than the fruity ones!! Yummmmmm.
Aw, thanks for commenting! I shall def try Gu first before I denounce all gel. For some reason, Whole Foods seems to only sell clif. Choc icing sounds delish.
Try pacers/city sports/dicks!
I’m obsessed with Shot Bloks. The margarita flavor has extra sodium (think salted rim) and several of them have caffeine!! Plus they’re like candy. Jelly Belly also makes sports beans if you want to give those a try. If you carry a water bottle, you can dissolve the gels in there as well, just something to think about if you really can’t get over the consistency.
Ooooh, I need to get me some margarita flavor shotbloks immed. And Jelly Bellies sound amazing – love it.