I haven’t run a lot of races. Since hanging up the cleats in high school, I’ve run 4 races (a 10K, 2 half marathons and one full), and those 4 have been in the last 12 months. The funny thing is that I haven’t had too many jitters going into these races. I knew I wasn’t an elite runner and quite honestly, aside from the marathon, I didn’t really know what I wanted to accomplish in the races.
But this Sunday I will be running the Super Sunday 10K for the second time. It is my first repeat race.
And I am nervous.
Why? It is a race I am familiar with. It is a race I know I can finish. I ran the race last year in a respectable 46:58. It was my first race as an adult, but I am more nervous about it this year than last.
Shouldn’t it be the other way around? In life, when we repeat things, aren’t they supposed to become easier? For the past few years as our elementary school’s PTO President I had to speak to groups of parents both large and small regularly. The first couple of times were nerve-wracking, although that might have something more to do with the fact that the chair I was sitting in before my first speech ripped a dollar size hole in the back of my pants – I had to back my way onto the stage, but that’s another story for another blog. It very quickly became easy, almost second nature speaking to them, no matter how controversial the topic might be.
So why am I nervous? It’s not like I’m not competing for a medal or a prize.
I am nervous because I am competing against myself. I set a standard last year that I hope to improve upon and that scares me a little. What if I don’t beat my time? What if I pull a hamstring and can’t finish? What would that say about all of the running I have done over the past 12 months?
A year ago I was happy just to finish, in part because 6 months earlier I would have laughed at the idea at finishing a 10K in under an hour. A year later, things have changed. I am more competitive – with myself.
Run Luau Run 
Great post Luau – I know these jitters all too well. I have these same pre-race nerves leading up to every race, and you are absolutely right , it is all about competing with yourself! Great insight…
I’m only a newbie runner but I can tell you that I think is pefect to have this jitters. I see them as part of the fun in running. Imagine thta you just arrived to the races as if it was the most common thing in life, I think if that happened to me I would stop running and look for something else.
Good luck¡
Jorge & Rob – my hope is that I can take the jitters and harness them…the thing that scares me is that I’ll come out of the gate too fast and have nothing left at the end.
You are always going to be your toughest competition. I know that feeling too well. Turn those jitters into adrenaline, keep as cool as you can at the start, and you’re going to have a fabulous run! Good luck luau!!! See you at the finish line!
It’s also because you know the course I think. I’m heading back to Davis this weekend…but not on the same course…but still. Makes me nervous!
Negative splits anyone?
For what it’s worth, it seems like they changed the course a bit this year.
A little…different starting point. Pretty similar though. It’s a fun, flat course.
I had the same jitters last year when I hit my first repeat races. One I did pretty well and bettered my time by over 7 minutes (on a 5K). The second one, my hamstring blew up and I didn’t finish. Oh wait…
Anyway, have a great race. I was going to lie and say that I might be out there to cheer you on since I’m not flying to DC now, but let’s be real – it’s not going to happen! I’ll be there in spirit though, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting your Runkeeper update.
btw, I need to do 17 on Feb 27 and 20 on March 6th if you’d like to join up for one of those.
Good luck!
I could be down for the 17 on the the 27th, but I think we’re busy on the 6th. Bummed you won’t be running it with me…maybe next year.