CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — With just a few weeks left until race weekend, some nerves might be starting to build.
Nerves are natural and welcomed as it means you really care about your impending race day. For those registered in the longer events, you have put in a hot summer of training and are now approaching your taper periods.
It isn't easy to change the intensity of your training after becoming accustomed to those early alarms and tired legs. You may be sleeping a little lighter since this change and your mind might be starting to cast doubt. Believe in the training you have done and enjoy this rest and recovery stage of the process. Any extra training crammed in at this point might have the opposite effect you are looking for in showing up to the start line tired.
Nerves might also be preventing you from signing up....whether it is your first race or you think your training might be not up to par of previous years, many factors can cast doubt whether you should register.
For this we offer this advice. Yes, the race events have a competitive component to them by their very nature. You wear a timing chip and your time is recorded and published. This is awesome culmination and reward to those reaching new heights with their running.
I would also offer this. The competitive field of runners, while very, very impressive, are in the minority of who you see lining up on race day. The beauty of this race is the community at large coming together for a day of fun and fitness. It is the average Islander and visitor lacing up their sneakers, maybe with a friend or some family, and putting one foot in front of the other and crushing their own personal goals.
If you happen to be concerned your training is off a bit, I would encourage you to sign up, re-evaluate your goals, switch race categories perhaps to a distance you are more comfortable with and get out there and enjoy the day. You are not alone if your training program didn't roll off exactly as planned.
There are many corporate and team relays still seeking their last few runners. My advice here would be the same, sign up, do your best for where your training is at and make zero apologies for it.
The Prince Edward Island Marathon weekend is so much more than just a race, it has something for everyone from walking to running, from a 2.9-km leg to 42.2-km full marathon distance. It is Island hospitality on display to our visitors, our community coming together supporting each other in a very healthy event. It is 600-plus children getting their first race experience completely free of charge and setting them up for an active health style in years to come.
In summary, welcome that nervous energy, embrace being just a tad uncomfortable and show up on race day and be the best version of you.
Oh, and high-five and thank a volunteer.
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Cheryl Paynter is a longtime P.E.I. Marathon board member. She will be contributing weekly columns leading into this year’s marathon weekend, which runs Oct. 18-20.
