Aging & Return to Racing

Training Advice/Discussion Masters

1 month ago 05/16/2024 8:22pm EDT

Hi all! Hoping to get some feedback, experiance and support.
Just over 5 years ago I stepped away from racing and reduced my training significantly. I ran well with one kid, but with the second came a ton of other priorities.
I was never an incredible athlete, but locally reasonable competitive. The two last races I ran were the two I’m most proud of: a 4:52 mile and an 18:40 5k.
Fast forward 5 years and at 41 years old, I’m running again. My normal runs are going well, tempos too, but I am so nervous to race.
Nervous isn’t even the word. I have had this awful block. It extends to old running friends too. I am too caught up in my head to meet with them for a run.
I signed up for a local 5k and my nerves are going crazy. Just wondering if this is something others have experienced.

1 month ago 05/16/2024 8:32pm EDT

re: OldAndBusted

Just remind yourself - absolutely nobody cares how you do. Nobody. At the end of the day you are doing it entirely for yourself. Takes a bit of the pressure off. Have fun.

1 month ago 05/16/2024 8:38pm EDT

re: OldAndBusted

Pop an edible and just run, baby

1 month ago 05/16/2024 8:39pm EDT

re: OldAndBusted

OldAndBusted wrote:
Hi all! Hoping to get some feedback, experiance and support.
Just over 5 years ago I stepped away from racing and reduced my training significantly. I ran well with one kid, but with the second came a ton of other priorities.
I was never an incredible athlete, but locally reasonable competitive. The two last races I ran were the two I’m most proud of: a 4:52 mile and an 18:40 5k.
Fast forward 5 years and at 41 years old, I’m running again. My normal runs are going well, tempos too, but I am so nervous to race.
Nervous isn’t even the word. I have had this awful block. It extends to old running friends too. I am too caught up in my head to meet with them for a run.
I signed up for a local 5k and my nerves are going crazy. Just wondering if this is something others have experienced.

What exactly are you nervous about? That you’ll caca your shorts? Your pipi will fall off with all the jostling? For the former at least, nervousness is a self fulfilling prophecy. I don’t think anyone’s experienced the latter.

1 month ago 05/16/2024 10:58pm EDT

re: OldAndBusted

I can relate. Racing is a skill, and if you get out of the habit, it can turn into a high-stress, high-anxiety situation. My first race after I started running again was an epic disaster (adult PR in the mile to open a 5K, followed by 2 miles of death).

Solution: Go freak out at the 5K, then sign up for more races. They can be fun!

Your 4:52 is a lot better than your 18:40. Go get after your 5K time!

1 month ago 05/16/2024 11:16pm EDT

re: colder and wiser

colder and wiser wrote:
I can relate. Racing is a skill, and if you get out of the habit, it can turn into a high-stress, high-anxiety situation. My first race after I started running again was an epic disaster (adult PR in the mile to open a 5K, followed by 2 miles of death).
Solution: Go freak out at the 5K, then sign up for more races. They can be fun!
Your 4:52 is a lot better than your 18:40. Go get after your 5K time!

WAY better, chill out dude.

1 month ago 05/17/2024 9:11am EDT

re: colder and wiser

This is totally what I imagine happening. Go crazy in the opening mile and then death marching home.

Thank you. I know you’re right. Just need to race as that’s practice itself.

1 month ago 05/17/2024 9:27am EDT

re: OldAndBusted

What are you early 30's? Just train for a few months, then enter a few low key races and start slow and build throughout the race.

Remember, nobody cares about you 2nd place in the 30-35 age group at the Habitat for Humanity 5k in BFE USA

1 month ago 05/17/2024 9:55am EDT

re: OldAndBusted

Anxiety is a normal part of racing - if you aren't a little anxious, you arguably don't care enough.

Give yourself some grace - look at this is as your first foray into running as a masters athlete, and everything is a new "masters PR."

You may also want to try visualizing your upcoming race - don't ignore the fact that you will be anxious pre-race, but do envision a positive race experience (including a shiny new Masters PR).

1 month ago 05/17/2024 11:59am EDT

re: OldAndBusted

Mike Tyson and just about every UFC fighter have admitted being nervous before getting in the ring. Our sport is you against the clock. Just do it !!!

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