The night before the First Half Half Marathon...

... and I am actually really nervous! P and I had tickets to tonights Canucks game, but I said no way, he should go with a buddy instead. It will easier to not drink too much beer and eat crappy food, plus I'd rather spend the time with K and get to bed earlier. Don't get me wrong, I am a bit jealous cuz I love going to games with P. But can't do it all. Oh well. We have another game on Valentine's Day (which is quite appropriate actually) so I'll manage. Not being hung over tomorrow will help a lot.

So, tomorrow. Sigh. I haven't been this nervous in a long time. I hope I will be able to contain my anxiety tomorrow morning. I'll probably wake up early, get a coffee or two into me (with sugar and milk, it helps my stomach before running, it seems), a couple slices of PB&J, and then get dressed and get there. I am debating if I should wear my shuffle during the race or not. I never have listened to music when racing, the only time I did was this past November for the H2H relay - I guess because it didn't feel like racing (that is I wasn't really racing). I have been listening to music for years while training though, and I wonder if I would miss it. I think I will bring it for the pre-race, and see how it goes. It kinda feels like a security blanket, plus then I don't have to listen to myself and my fellow racers as we sound like we're about to die... lol.

I have been fighting a cold all week to boot. Didn't run or spin at all. The last run I did was last Saturday, 15k (home counter-clockwise around False Creek via Burrard Bridge). That run has been taking me about 1h35 the last few months. Well, I decided to try to keep a stronger pace and I did that in 1h25! That's almost 1min/mile faster than usual! I felt great too. I did drink flat coke during the run... hmmm... maybe I should bring some with me tomorrow? wait no no, just use what they have on the course... don't change plans now... augh! so confused! Oh well whatever will happen will happen. It can't be worse than the first half marathon I did.

Let's see: Vancouver marathon, May 01, did the half. First half ever. Involved running up Prospect Point hill. Ouch. I had gastro at Lumberman's Arch, and it was all shite (really) after that. 2h15. Only finished because Janet kept egging me along.

After that, it goes like this:
June 2001: ScotiaBank Half: 2:08
Oct 2001: Victoria Half. Much better. 2h03.
Feb 2002: First Half. 2:08. Cold very miserable day, I remember my stomach was not happy too.
May 2002: Van Half: 1:59 (wow!)
Feb 2003: First Half: 1:55. Hubba hubba. 13min improvement

After that I only ever ran half's as part of 1/2IMs. So I am really looking forward to this, and am nervous. I would honestly be thrilled if I could be sub 2:10. But I secretly want to see that clock under 2.

Well, off to make dinner with K and loaf for the evening. Then to bed. I will report on the results tomorrow.

AP