Pre-race nerves at an all-time high...

Just a quick post before I head off over to the other side of town for my relay...

Woke up really quite sore in my hip and legs on Thursday morning after the massage (and possibly the 18kms with hills) and took another rest day as planned.

Friday 20/04/07:
Appreciative of the advice from Ewen, I headed out at 6am on a short out and back on the flats, in order to be able to put in some strides. The hip was feeling much better, but I'm very conscious of not doing anything to upset it before the weekend of racing!

Brisk walk warmup: 5mins
Various paced run: 30.29mins, 6.65km, Ave 4.35min/kms, Max 3.29min/km.
Brisk walk cooldown: 2mins

After turn around a did three lots of strides, where I picked up pace and stride and held this for about 1 min each time... Not sprinting at all, just strong quick strides... Not sure if thats exactly what you meant Ewen, but it felt good anyway! Didn't want to go doing anything out of the ordinary (for me) like high knees or butt kicks this late in the piece - not when the hip is niggly... But if I'm going to keep racing like this I will start to incorporate these into my weekly schedule again. All up, a good run, felt strong and focused for Saturday...

Was very well behaved last night - despite being invited out to a house-warming, I instead had a very quiet night at a girlfriends place, ate pizza, didn't touch the wine and her niece who is training to be a beautician came over and gave us both a pedicure! Bliss! Of course she was under strict instructions not to do anything drastic with my toe nails as far as cutting and filing went! But the soak in the foot-spa and the massage oil was great!

This morning I have been feeling terribly anxious and nervous about the relay... Not at all bothered about tomorrow mornings 8km fun run, as thats just for me. But today is the first time I will run for anyone else except little ol' me! Well, since school days at least - 20+ yrs ago! I know the only one with any expectations on me, is me... I know I will just go out there and do my best and that is all I can do... But try telling my stomach that right now!!

Right, must be on my way, as I will first be heading to Mt Eden to collect my race pack for tomorrow, then over to Sandringham to the venue. Doesn't help that I don't know the area at all and will be following maps all the way to get me there...

Will be back later to post about how it all went. Till then, thanks to everyone for your comments and encouragement and I will keep in mind what you said Ewen - good warm up and some strides once I get there... its so great to be able to come on here and get sound advice and support from those that know what they are talking about or can relate to how I am feeling... Thanks again.