So, since this is Friday, and the GE Irving Marathon is TOMORROW, and since I’m living it in real time, thought I’d share some of my pre-race routine. I’m going to post a couple of articles, too, because as we know, I don’t REALLY know what I’m talking about, I just steal things from other people. But, as my friend Karen always says, “creativity is just forgetting where you stole something from.” Yup. I’m VERY creative;).
Here are the big three for me in the 24 hours prior to race time:
Sleep – Gotta do it. I have lots of friends who can get zero to no sleep and run great and feel great (well, feel good). I can’t. I have to sleep. Which is why I am a very boring roommate when we travel for races. I am back in the room sound asleep by 8pm. The good news is I typically sleep really well (even the night before a race) so as long as I allow the time, I usually have good luck here.
Food and Drink – I’ll be eating very plain jane today. Gluten free cereal and pasta, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a couple of apples and a protein bar. Very boring. Just the way my stomach likes it. I have the world’s most sensitive racing tummy and have had more than one bad experience (no details, just trust me – BAD) so I happily wait until after the race to eat and drink fun things.
Rest – I’ll be mostly off my feet today. That’s clearly way easier when your race is in your hometown and you’re off work the day before, as I am today. Laundry and a few phone calls (and lots of internet because Run Disney is trying to kill me – more on that in a minute).
Here are links to some great articles if you’re looking for a good pre-race routine.
http://running.about.com/od/distancerunningtips/tp/daybeforemarathon.htm
http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2012/11/nutrition/what-to-eat-before-your-half-marathon_7365
Tomorrow will be my 8th half in three years and I feel like I have it down to a pretty good system. But you have to find what works for you! I’m actually really hoping this is a great race because it would work perfectly for me as an annual event – WDW Marathon weekend in January, Disneyland half in August and thisin April each year would mean a carrot out there in front of me to keep me training all year long.
OK, now why is Run Disney trying to take all my money? Just announced today – the new Glass Slipper Challenge at the Princess Half Marathon Weekend. I was 100% sure I was NOT running the princess this year and this might change my mind. But seriously with Dumbo Double Dare in August, the Donald Half in January and now this I’m going to need to do some serious budget evaluations. Because I don’t think asking my three boys to skip college so I can run more Disney races is a good plan. I haven’t seen an official Run Disney article yet but they did post it on Twitter and there are some details in this blog. OK, edited this to add the official news from Run Disney (thanks to Darcy for finding it for me!) Official Announcement Info from Run Disney and I posted it on the FB page as well. Not on the FB page? Well why not?? Come join the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/runningpastormom
I’ll try and post a full review and report of my stellar performance and PR in tomorrow’s race by tomorrow evening so be looking for it. Well, at least that’s my hope;). Prayers and good thoughts appreciated! And to all that are running races this weekend (and that’s A LOT of you) I know Boston is on our minds. We will run because we can and we will be thinking and praying for those who can’t and for those who are grieving. You are in our hearts and on our minds.
Happy Running!
Jen