My fourth half-marathon

This was me right before this race one year ago:

Here I am today:

This is a very flattering time of day for me for pictures.

I had a vivid dream last night about my childhood home and friends and my mind is in another place then running a strong race right now.

I tried to get into the fast-running spirit last night by watching two running movies. The first was Spirit of the Marathon, and we only got about 10 minutes in. I didn’t think it was so bad, but the music and interviews were kinda dorky and I knew they wouldn’t hold Tony’s attention.

Next, we watched Running across the Sahara, and I gave up on that movie pretty early in, too. That movie seemed more promising, but its about these three crazy distance runners that think running 80 miles a day across the African desert for 90 days sounds like their idea of a fun. Interesting stuff, but the documentary wasn’t very compelling.

Despite Matt Damon.

Man, so negative this morning, Pattie!

I walked outside a minute ago and it is a beautiful spring morning. So much better than last year. The birds are chirping, and the temperature is around 35 but it doesn’t feel that cold. It’s a little overcast. I know from experience it will be windy at the race but it will be zone-out-and-go flat.

I feel well fueled and well rested. And I’m coming off a really exciting, productive week. I get nervous before races (who doesn’t?) and I just try to remember all the reasons I do this. Not because I have something to prove by running a certain pace or a certain way. But because running makes me happy. Because I like the things I learn about myself when I race. I learn I can go longer and faster than I ever have before. I learn I can push myself. I learn all the ways I’ve improved since the last time I raced.

Deep breaths. Time to get moving.

Pattie Reaves

About Pattie Reaves

I'm a new mom and renegade fitness blogger at After the Couch. I live in Brewer with my husband, Tony, our daughter Felicity, and our two pugs, Georgia and Scoop.