Today as I started my last run before my 10k this weekend, I was worrying. My last couple of runs have not been great, and I was worrying about what I was getting into this weekend and whether or not I would be able to make it through the short run (three miles) I had planned for today.
Then I started thinking about how fruitless worrying always is. For instance last night I didn't sleep well because I had a photo shoot early this morning on campus with students and a VIP. I was worried that the students wouldn't show up on time, that the VIP would have to wait, that the commencement robes I picked up to be worn in the photo wouldn't work size-wise, that the students wouldn't arrive dressed in the clothes I asked them to wear, and on and on. You get the picture. But guess what? It went really well. The students were all early and appropriately dressed and the robes were perfect and none of it was because I worried. But then I started thinking, what would've happened if they hadn't shown up? We would've rescheduled. It wouldn't have been the end of the world; why did it keep me from sleeping last night?
Then all through a meeting this morning I worried about how I had one of our designers start on a project before I got clear direction from the client. I was thinking about how I was going to show our progress without making it clear that we hadn't waited for more information, and then I worried that I had wasted the deisgner's time. But when the time came to share it, everything was fine. I guess I did waste a little of his time, but the start he got on the project gave some direction to our conversation about where it needed to go and ultimately end up, so it wasn't completely wasted.
So even as I was running and thinking about these two very recent examples of wasted worry, I was still worrying about a second photo shoot I have tonight (will the student models show up?), the run I was currently running, the run I have foolishly agreed to do on Saturday, a scratchy throat I'm fighting and the next 10 pounds of my weight loss. This was all after my realization that worry is so wasted!
The thing is, I know in my head that it is pointless to worry, but is something I'm still pretty good at. I think it comes down again to positive thinking. You've got to fight worry with happy thoughts and maybe you have to "fake it til you make it," meaning that even if you don't feel positive or happy about something just act like you do. Then eventually you will, I guess.
Here's to happy thoughts for my Saturday run! I'm still trying to convince myself I can do this!
You can most definitely do Saturday's run! You are SO much better prepared for a 10K than I was my first time. Trust your training, trust your body, and visualize yourself crossing the finish line.
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be AWESOME.
And if it makes you feel any better, I'm a little worried about Saturday, too. I think a little worried is normal and okay. :)
It has been very hot and humid this week, making it much more difficult to run--nearly died yesterday trying to run. Saturday will be a lot cooler and that will make a huge difference.
ReplyDeleteRun the first half of the race slow and relaxed and pick up it each of the last three miles. You have put the hay in the barn with the training under your belt. Just pace yourself slower at first in the race and you will be awesome!