For the second time, I will be running the Garry Bjorklund half marathon – the last time I ran this race was in 2019.

Historically, I have tended to stress out too much about hitting all my workouts NO MATTER WHAT or sticking to a strict pace regardless of race day conditions (especially when it’s SUPER hot out, like it was in 2016 when I ran the full marathon). For my last several races I have utilized a more “mellow” approach to both training and race day.

IfWhen I need to miss a workout because of family/work/life responsibilities, I’ll miss the workout without worry. Race day will be a relaxed event for me, no real pressure, even though I would love to PR.

For if I approach races how I used to, with mountains of stress/worry for no good reason, my legs and mind will feel like garbage – not exactly how personal records (PR’s) are set (unless it’s your first attempt at a particular distance, then congrats, as long as you finish…you get to brag about setting a new PR!).

At the end of the day I really want to enjoy the training process and the race itself. To me, there’s no point in torturing myself. I am not an elite runner with a shot of winning (and a payday) – just someone who gets a kick out of being active and testing to see where my fitness is at on any given day.

So if you ever find yourself in a similar position of “freaking the heck out” gearing up for a race, I invite you to change things up with me for this year’s race weekend in June and just HAVE FUN!! At the end of the day running is about getting your butt moving, having some fun with friends, taking in the views our wonderful area of the world has to offer, and giving yourself a great excuse to have a beer or three!

See you along the shore 🙂

Photo by Thomas Dils on Unsplash