13 April 2008
That feeling in the pit of my stomach
Posted by Nick Katsarelas under: Nick Katsarelas .
It’s such a weird thing. Before I run a certain distance — usually beyond three miles — I get “that feeling,” aka, the jitters. OK. Jitters is not the technical term for it. Nor is fight or flight. It’s called hyperarousal, or acute stress response. (I Googled it.)
It starts one to two hours before I run. It’s that funny feeling in the pit of the stomach, similar to how I feel waiting in the dentist’s office or preparing to speak in public.
In addition to the above symptom, my hands shake, and I have to, well, take care of business. At the risk of sounding crude, I’m talking both numbers. And frequently. I also procrastinate, but never to the point of not running.
I have “that feeling” now. It’s 11 a.m., and as soon as I finish this, I’ll get dressed, stretch, and do a 10-miler. The thing is, I’ve run longer distances. I’ve done 10 miles before, and after last week’s 16 miles with RunGazelle, 10 should be a breeze. And yet, there it is. In the past hour, I’ve visited the bathroom four times. I’m guessing I’ll make a couple more visits until I run.
I’m running from home today, and the feeling will abruptly end as soon as I start running. (On RG or RW days, the feeling ends as soon as I start driving to the EGR Library, the “Y” or any other point of origin.
But until then, I’m afflicted. It’s as predictable as April snow in Michigan, the results of my dentist’s visit (cracked filling, meaning future crown) or the Wings’ demise in the playoffs. But if that’s the worst thing that comes with running, I’ll deal.
Well, gotta go. Running beckons. As does nature.
3 Comments so far...
Steve Kelly Says:
13 April 2008 at 10:45 am.
Great post Nick, funny stuff! Don’t forget to wash your hands and have a great run!
Shelly Says:
13 April 2008 at 7:31 pm.
What candor! If it makes you feel better–I have heard of that w/ other runners. Hope you had a great 10 miler today–NO RAIN FOR YOU like we had!!!!
Bob Says:
13 April 2008 at 8:17 pm.
Nick, I sometimes get “that feeling” before a LONG run. This too shall pass May 10th!