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  • Friday Five 2.0

The Cycle of Race Day Emotions

October 20, 2017

Racing and race day brings out a cycle of race day emotions. Happiness, sadness, excitement — what does race day bring for YOU? #oorah

Today I’m going rogue on the Friday Five 2.0 topic. I think the topic is “Fall Foods” — which I love — but since I’m preparing to run my fourth marathon, it has no relevance to my life right now. I’ll be dreaming of all the food come race day, but right now I’m way too amped up to think about that.

This is the second time I’ve come to D.C. to run MCM. It’s a race second to none. It’s almost indescribable. The emotion, the crowd support, the atmosphere. It’s all just so… raw. In 2016, when I was preparing to toe the line at MCM, I shared my top five moments of MCM training as well as all the things I was looking forward to in D.C. Not much has changed in those aspects so I won’t repeat myself. So in the spirit of MCM being a really raw, emotional experience, and since this is my third long distance race of 2017 and I’m in a semi-fragile emotional state as it is, I’m going to share with you the cycle of emotions I feel on race weekend, race day, and immediately following. Some of them might surprise you.

Racing and race day brings out a cycle of emotions. Happiness, sadness, excitement -- what does race day bring for YOU? #oorah

The Cycle of Race Day Emotions

1. Anxiety.

Over the years, my pre-race anxiety has dwindled to a manageable level. That doesn’t mean it’s not still there, though. Traveling for a race brings up the anxiety level a notch since not only do I need to get ready for said race, but I also need to pack to be a tourist, go out to dinners, and for any and all weather conditions race day may throw my way.

This race weekend is no different. As the days between today and race day decrease, my anxiety level increases. Anxiety is a normal part of the race experience, and even though I can manage it much better than ever before, it’s still there — and it’s still stressful. Whenever the race is over, I always have the urge to release all of the anxiety I was feeling prior to it and I know that many runners feel the same as me. However, releasing anxiety is known to be a difficult task. I know that some people like to use substances like cannabis and cannabis-based products such as CBD edibles gummies to help with their anxiety issues, whether they’re relating to racing or not. This may be something you’re interested in if you have feelings or anxiety or if you just want to unwind after a big race. In fact, by using a service such as Cannabis seeds australia, you can actually grow plants of this nature yourself, giving you full control over the entire process. A lot of people actually do this all over the world. Some people will even make sure they have a freeze dryer on hand to keep the cannabis flower preserved. This method can also prevent mold from developing in cannabis by reducing moisture. All of this could help people to create cannabis to lower anxiety. Once you consume the substance, you’ll be able to relax and unwind much more easily than before.

2. Excitement.

I’m extremely excited for race weekend. I get to meet Coco, Deborah, and Erika in the flesh (actually, by the time you’re reading this I probably already have!), plus I get to reunite with my college roomie who I haven’t seen in years. And hopefully I’ll reconnect with a few other friends I know in the area. To say I’m excited would be the understatement of the year!! I’m so excited, in fact, that inside I feel like this:

Cycle of Race Day Emotions | Running on Happy

Even though on the outside, I look like this:

Cycle of Race Day Emotions | Running on Happy

3. Happiness.

There’s no better feeling than accomplishing a really tough goal. For me, the tough goal is the marathon. A lot can happen in 26.2 miles. Ask anyone. But I won’t take the journey, the training, and the race experience for granted. I’m so thankful I’m able to have this experience, and I’m so happy the celebration is just around the corner.

4. Sadness.

Every race is different, but the aftermath is usually the same. When I traveled to Duluth for Grandma’s with my husband, we had an amazing weekend. I got to meet Kim and Gina, we got to spend time together sans kids, and it was just an overall amazing experience. I was super sad when it was all over. When I’ve run local races I’ve come home being so sad I didn’t get to spend more time with some of my favorite local runners. And after MCM, I know I’m going to be super bummed that it’s time to go home.

But aside from that, I’ll also miss the training. I’m extremely exhausted and very ready for a break from training, but I also really enjoy working toward a goal. As much as I look forward to sleeping in and spending more time with my family, I’ll be sad not to have something to work toward. Or will I…?

5. Relief.

A big part of me is really relieved to be done with marathoning for 2017. I’m exhausted. I really, truly need a break. I was borderline burnt out several weeks ago if you recall. So while I will be sad and I’ll really miss running with my friends weekly and working toward a difficult goal, I’m also relieved this journey is almost over. I need some form of sanity back in my life. I need to recharge so I’m ready for the next goal, whatever that may be.



Race day brings ALL the emotions!! #OORAH #RunWiththeMarines #marathon #runchat
Click To Tweet

Marathoning is, and always will be, a very emotional venture. Blood, sweet, and even tears go into a training cycle with the ultimate goal being feeling the thrill of victory at the finish. Running is a pleasure and I’m so grateful that not only do I love it, but that I have the ability to do it. While I may be physically and mentally drained from training, one thing’s for certain — I’m gonna have a BLAST on Sunday at the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon. I can’t freaking WAIT! Let’s do this, runners!

OORAH!!!

xo

Let’s talk!

Do you go through a cycle of race day emotions?

Have you run MCM before?

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40 Comments


patrick@looneyforfood.com
October 20, 2017 at 5:09 am
Reply

Well that just sounds like a roller coaster of emotions. Have a great weekend!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:39 pm
    Reply

    It really is!! Haha. Thank you!

Megan @ Meg Go Run
October 20, 2017 at 5:25 am
Reply

These sounds like very common emotions about an upcoming big race. I do get very anxious for races even if I am excited. Sometimes I get anxious on the course when I know I will see family/friends soon. It’s so weird! I hope your race is awesome! You sound like you are all geared up.



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:40 pm
    Reply

    I get that way on the course, too! Which is why I almost prefer not to have them there. Lol!

Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy
October 20, 2017 at 5:38 am
Reply

I don’t get super anxious before a race. Before leaving for said race? Different story. I love those people who “throw a few things in a bag & go”. So not me. Much as I love to travel, getting ready to travel makes me very un zen.

I don’t usually get sad after races, either.

Maybe if I ran a marathon it’d be different . . .

Have a wonderful race! Can’t wait to hear all about it.



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:41 pm
    Reply

    Yes, it’s the traveling that gets me flustered! Once I’m to my destination I’m good. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thank you!!!

Fairytales and Fitness
October 20, 2017 at 6:03 am
Reply

I did a post similar to this not too long ago so I can definitely relate. I don’t usually get the sad feeling though, relief yes!
You will do great this weekend! You got this!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:42 pm
    Reply

    Thanks, girl! So excited. It should be lots of fun!

Kimberly Hatting
October 20, 2017 at 6:43 am
Reply

OORAH!!!!! I’m beyond excited for you (and all the others running MCM). Of course, I’m a tad bit jealous, too. I know that feeling of “loss” and (borderline) despair after a training cycle, but also a sense of renewal and extreme pride for having made it through the battleground of training. Thankfully, the loopy endorphins help even out the residual aches and pains. Have fun and enjoy your time in DC ๐Ÿ˜‰



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:42 pm
    Reply

    The loopy endorphins are the best!

    Thank you!!!!

Marcia
October 20, 2017 at 6:51 am
Reply

The more marathons I do, the less emotional I am. I definitely felt travel stress in Berlin. The race was not stressful in comparison to all the hoops I needed to jump through to get there. When I ran MCM in 2012 hurricane Sandy was bearing down on us and I could feel the crazy roaring winds bearing down on me. We evacuated literally as soon as I finished. I didn’t get to shower until we got to Ohio! As a result I missed all the blogger meetups! Have a wonderful race and weekend. You’ve worked hard!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:46 pm
    Reply

    Ack! That must have been a thing. I can’t even imagine.

    The more races I do the less anxious I get also. But this is exciting. Love this one!

MCM Mama
October 20, 2017 at 6:55 am
Reply

We are going to have so much fun! It was great to meet you last night and hopefully we can run at least part of the race together.



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:46 pm
    Reply

    Yes! I’ll text you in the morning. Be prepared for expletives. ?

Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
October 20, 2017 at 7:01 am
Reply

I think you hit the nail on the head with all the emotions! A marathon is such a big undertaking–it is expected to feel all the emotions. I’m excited for you and I think you are going to do amazing!! Have fun!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:47 pm
    Reply

    Thank you!! So many emotions… squeeeee!!!

Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
October 20, 2017 at 7:04 am
Reply

All of these yes! So great to meet you last night. Go get it this weekend



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:47 pm
    Reply

    So awesome meeting you! We must do it again!

SuzLyfe
October 20, 2017 at 7:32 am
Reply

Oorah indeed. Good luck and have an amazing race!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:48 pm
    Reply

    Thanks, S!

Kimberly
October 20, 2017 at 7:39 am
Reply

I keep forgetting that this is your 3rd long distance race of the year! You have really packed in a lot this year and I am excited for you to have your victory lap on Sunday. I hope that you have an awesome weekend and a great race – I’ll be screaming and cheering for you from my house!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:48 pm
    Reply

    Ahhhh yay!! Thank you!!!

    I’m ready for all the sleeps… hahaha

Erica @ erica finds
October 20, 2017 at 8:16 am
Reply

You forgot Denial – like when you’re standing at the line and fail to realize there is 26.2 ahead ๐Ÿ˜‰

Have a great run this weekend!



    Rachel
    October 20, 2017 at 4:48 pm
    Reply

    Hahah! Ignoring. Didn’t forget. ?

Shathiso
October 20, 2017 at 8:44 am
Reply

I go through very similar emotions – I set myself a goal to run 17 races this year, and if I can add another emotion now it would be “drained” – have had such fun but I’m a bit tired now so need to find a way to get myself enthusiastic again so I finish the remaining races on my calendar! Best of luck for the race! I will be back for the race recap!



Jenn @ Run with Sole
October 20, 2017 at 9:29 am
Reply

I agree with all of this! Running is an emotional sport! And MCM is an emotional race as it is! I hope you have a wonderful time! Canโ€™t wait to hear about it!



Karen Bayne
October 20, 2017 at 9:59 am
Reply

I hope you have a great race, it is looking like perfect weather weekend!
That is great you are having a meet up ๐Ÿ™‚



Lesley
October 20, 2017 at 10:09 am
Reply

My post-race blues this spring was real! I had such a great weekend, when I was back at work, I thought “now what?” I was in a funk for 3 days before signing up for Vegas.

Oorah!



Abbey Sharp
October 20, 2017 at 10:12 am
Reply

Have a great race! Emotions are definitely at an all time high, and I hope you enjoy that final emotion of relief! Good luck ๐Ÿ™‚



Mikki
October 20, 2017 at 10:36 am
Reply

Oh I so remember all these emotions when I used to run! It will be an exciting day for sure. Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!



Amy Gorin
October 20, 2017 at 11:35 am
Reply

Best of luck on race day!



Cyndi
October 20, 2017 at 11:37 am
Reply

Good luck and have a fun weekend!



Ana
October 20, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Reply

Have an awesome race!!

Yes on all the feelings!! You nailed it. I have one more half marathon, and then it will have the relief of no training… I don’t like being in training, but I love racing.



vicki
October 20, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Reply

Yup to all those emotions!

Good luck this weekend!!!



Andrea Signor
October 20, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Reply

You’ve got this!! Good luck this weekend ๐Ÿ˜€



AmyC
October 21, 2017 at 5:19 am
Reply

I haven’t run a bog race in a long time, but I definitely remember feeling many emotions. The most surprising was the sadness afterwards because it’s over. I guess that is why so many runners keep booking more and more races each year ๐Ÿ˜‰



Stephanie
October 21, 2017 at 11:45 am
Reply

Yes! This is exactly how I feel on race day!



Carmy @ carmyy.com
October 21, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Reply

Anger for me haha. “WHY DID I SIGN UP?!” a few miles in when I’m dying haha



Jill Conyers
October 21, 2017 at 5:59 pm
Reply

Race, training and day, emotions are all over the place. And the taper? That’s a rollercoaster.



Sandra D Laflamme
October 23, 2017 at 4:49 pm
Reply

I definitely go through all of these. I find the sadness, the post race let down to be the worst . . . that is unless I sign up for another race immediately after ๐Ÿ™‚



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