Feeling the pre-move jitters, a familiar sensation for a runner

I know this feeling. I’m tired, but I can’t quite sleep. My stomach has butterflies trapped inside, and I’m hungry but don’t like the sound of any particular food. I have the pre-move jitters, which feel a lot like the nervous energy I get the night before a big race.

When you break them down, the feelings make sense.

For days now, I’ve counted down the hours nervously and stressed about the details. I needed to make sure I didn’t forget anything important, and I had a long checklist of last-week tasks and items to pack.

While I don’t have this much to do for a big race, that checklist feeling is familiar. If I landed in Fargo, N.D., without my racing flats or body glide, all of my other plans would have circled the drain. If I reach San Diego and realize I forgot an important document or *gasp* my NutriBullet, I’m in trouble. How will I hop across the border to Tijuana or stay regular with my morning shakes?

At the end of a long marathon buildup, I always worry that I’m not ready for my race. I feel the same about my migration west. What if I get there and I’m not ready for my new responsibilities, or if I don’t fit in?

And sleep. I never sleep well the night before a big run. Likewise, I’m keyed up right now with nothing to do but wait until my departure time really early in the morning.

But because I’ve dealt with pre-race jitters for years, I know how to handle these pre-move jitters.

Step 1 — I will breathe and think back over all of the preparation that led me to this point. I have worked to be ready for this move for the three+ years I’ve worked at Sportspectrum here in Shreveport.

Step 2 — I will get as much rest as possible. I know that sleep is difficult when there is a big race (or move) looming. So I will sleep as much as possible, relaxing as much as I can.

Step 3 — I will trust myself. When I’m racing, the start and first few miles put me at ease. The act of running puts me into my comfort zone. Like running, I’m all about road trips. As soon as I hit I-20, I should lock into the journey.

My world is changing. I truly believe it will be a positive move in a multitude of ways. The opportunity fell in place in a purposeful way.

I have packed my Xterra and Uhaul, and I’m ready to pull out. It’s time to follow my pre-race relaxation ritual, then hit the road.

San Diego, I’m coming for you.