As I am sure you have heard, the high temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual for this time of the year. Just remember that the race starts at 8:00. Temps at that time will be comfortable and you will be done long before the high temperature in the afternoon. Just listen to your body, take advantage of any shade or sprinklers along the course, and perhaps even reset your goals. We all want to have the best race experience we can have, but it is good to have a backup plan so that when you are all done, you are left feeling satisfied and accomplished. (See Week 10’s newsletter for tips for running in the heat.)
With less than 2 days to go until the Bellin Run, make sure you take the time and look back at where you started and appreciate all the work you have done to get you to this point. If this isn’t your first rodeo, how do you feel compared to last year? If this is your first road race, 12 weeks ago did you think you could really do this? When you get ready on Saturday morning and head out the door, leave all the doubts you may have at home. You are ready!
"You also need to look back, not just at the people who are running behind you but especially at those who don't run and never will... those who run but don't race...those who started training for a race but didn't carry through...those who got to the starting line but didn't to the finish line...those who once raced better than you but no longer run at all. You're still here. Take pride in wherever you finish. Look at all the people you've outlasted."
- Joe Henderson
- Joe Henderson
"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."
-Vince Lombardi
-Vince Lombardi
Lastly, just have fun! Bring your entire family with you on Saturday morning and encourage them to cheer everyone on. If you finish early, find some place to cheer people on for a bit while you are recovering. If you see someone on the course struggling, strike up a conversation and run with them for a bit, you will no doubt help them. And don’t forget to thank the volunteers. Without them there would be no race. A simple thank you as you grab that cup of water goes a long way. Best of luck and have a great race!
