10K...apable!

Tomorrow's the big day...my second 10K. Like I said before, I'm not as prepared as I was last year (weight-wise or training-wise), but I would have let myself down signing up for the 5K just because I knew I wasn't as ready. To combat that, I challenged myself to try it again, even if I am 'worse off" than before. I like to reach back to that old saying, "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

To say that I'm looking forward to it would be a total lie. I'm scared. Or anxious. Or a little of both, but there's no excitement in there at all. I let myself down by not completely preparing for it but I'm hoping that's it's going to be easier than I am remembering and trying to remember that I will feel so proud after. I can't even comprehend that moment yet. It's a looooooonnnnngggg way from right now until that finish line tomorrow morning sometime.

I have everything on my play list from PINK to Blake Shelton to Train to Eminem. Not everything has a fast tempo like I usually prefer while running, but most of the songs really speak to me in some way and I hope that is going to help push me through.

Justin (the founder of this race) says there are more than 6,000 walkers/runners from more than 18 states participating tomorrow. 62% are doing the 5K, 24% are walkers. What do I think when I read this? That I hope I'm not one of the slowest 10K'rs out there. But what if I am? I certainly wouldn't judge another 10K'r or 5K'r whether they were one of the slowest. Why do I feel I need to judge myself? I'm running 6.2 miles on Thanksgiving morning, fast or slow, there's something to be said for that and I need to keep that positive thinking in the front of my mind.

I've never written on my hand or anything for any race I've been involved in before but I saw it done during the NYC marathon, I think. I thought that was such a great idea. Three quotes will be with me:

While watching Sarah Palin's Alaska rock climbing episode, Sarah said something after a tough trek. I thought it was perfect since I will be outside and 'making the effort and I'll be running on a beautiful path and I know that will make me thankful:

"It's so worth it. Just putting forth some effort. Ya know, you ...just gotta get outside. Breathe in the air, look what's around us."

I also love this from my friend Scotty. When I posted my fears about this 10K he wrote something to encourage me and I absolutely love this part of it. I think it could fit into so many parts of my life - not just a race:

"You are totally capable!"

I love that. Thank you, Scotty. :)

The final thing is a quote that I found the other day. The 10K is on the beach path and sand is literally on either side of you while running. Like I said in my previous blog entry, I'll have two of these - given...hoping to have happy tears at the finish line:

The cure for anything is salt water -- sweat, tears, or the sea.
---Isak Dinesen

And when I get tired, frustrated and mad at myself for putting myself through something that difficult (for me), I'll think about it being Thanksgiving Day. I'll think about how I have so many things to be thankful for. And I'll remember to be thankful that I am able - and CAPABLE - to run.

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