You do it. I do it. We all do it — this is pretty close to the conversation we have with ourselves during a race, isn’t it?
Mile 1) I feel so fast. I know I’m going to PR today. The taper must’ve really worked because I am flying. I am passing so many people already!
Mile 2) This pace feels super easy. Maybe I should adjust my goal and go faster? I mean, I could really have a breakthrough today.
Mile 3) Okay, not really passing anyone any more. Let’s go back to the A goal. But I still feel good. Legs are still happy. I can do 5Ks in my sleep.
Mile 4) Less than double digits to go. Oh great, I’m counting down already? 9 miles is a long way to count down. I really should stop looking at my watch.
Mile 5) Only 5 more miles plus a 5K to go. Ugh, I promised myself to stop doing runner math. But I’m still on pace to reach my goal.
Mile 6) I really don’t like uphills. Or downhills. Or running on flat surfaces too long.
Mile 7) Legs are not feeling quite so fresh any more. How are we just past the halfway point? I feel like I’ve been running a really long time already.
Mile 8) Why do I ever think this is a good way to spend a weekend morning? I could be drinking mimosas. I could be sleeping. I could not be running.
Mile 9) I’ll be okay if I don’t hit my A goal today. Really. It’s going to be hard to run this fast for 4 more miles.
Mile 10) Must. Not. Walk. If I start walking, it is going to be hard to start running again. Okay, maybe I’ll walk for just a few seconds. No wait, I’m too close to my goal.
Mile 11) Okay, if I just hit my goal, I promise I will never race a half marathon again. If I run, it will just be for fun. No time pressure.
Mile 12) This course and my GPS watch are clearly wrong. This is clearly longer than a mile. Why does this mile feel so much longer than all the other miles?!
Mile 13) SUCK IT UP. Seriously, just one more dumb mile and you’re done. Forever. Just make it to the finish line and I won’t ever sign up for another race.
Last 0.1) THERE’S THE FINISH LINE!!! I love running! Why would I never race again?! This is the best feeling! Look at me! Look at me! I am running so fast to the finish line! I love racing!
