Here it is the Friday night before the Dallas Marathon, feeling
confident! I've been training since the summer for that 2 hour finish in the
half marathon. Now that I'm 24 hours away, I feel that I've done everything
needed to accomplish said goal.
I've been at least somewhat disciplined
with my nutrition. I've followed a consistent plan in my training for 6 months
now. I've spent the time in the gym doing my strength training with my friend
Lee. Thanks again Lee! YOU ROCK MAN! I've kept my head in the game and have
been focused on the goal. They say that 90% of training for a race is mental.
This experience has taught me that it's more like 99%. The hardest part is
keeping your mind focused on what needs to be done as part of the plan. With my
kidney disease, I have to keep in mind the need for extra protein (which I
often forget). So, I have to make reminders to myself to supplement as I’m
supposed to.
Things like motivation are
hard to come by if you don't surround yourself with motivating people. I'm a self-motivated
person when it comes to running just because I love running so much. But even
with that, I have my moments when I just wanna stay in bed or skip a day here
and there and justify by saying that I'm "over trained". That's where
my wife gets credit. She is knows me better than I know myself and can tell
when I am truly over trained and seriously need the rest. I can't thank her
enough for all the support she gives me and those free massages continue to be
one of those perks that make all my running buddies jealous. She has definitely
kept me in training shape all this time and had earned the title "Miracle
Worker" from her clients.
I've had some questions regarding what I
do in preparation during the week leading up to the race known as "taper
week" in the running world. Well, I can provide some insight as to what I
do. But, this doesn't mean it is everyone should do.
During taper week I only run 5-10 miles
depending on what my legs tell me. I pay close attention to how my legs feel
and adjust accordingly when it comes to running during taper week. I also will
not do leg day at the gym during leg week. I may do some work with core and
upper body but no leg work at all. But, regardless of the number of miles, I
will NOT run during the 4 days leading up to race day. This an important timeframe,
at least for me. During these days I take advantage of all the rest I can get.
I will usually get an extra massage from my wonderful wife during this time to
work out any knots or build up in my muscles. Did tell you how good she is at
her job? She's awesome! I also pay close attention to what kind of calories I
take in during the last 4 days. On that 4th day out from race day I will start
to incorporate more carbohydrates in my diet. I like to use rice, butternut
squash, and some gluten free pasta to keep those carbs on the healthier side.
Keeping in mind that I still have to keep up my protein intake to offset my losses
due to the kidney disease, I also will incorporate a little bread like making a
sandwich or two during this time frame. I will keep those carbs in moderation
for two days. Then the day before, I cut them back again giving my body time to
digest those carbs I've taken in and turn them into glycogen stored in the
muscles for energy.
The morning of race day I'm waking up
early to get in a good breakfast of 400 - 500 calories with a bowl of whole
grain cereal. I like to eat grape nuts with a couple of tablespoons of raw
honey mixed in and I usually top it off with a flavored yogurt of some sort. I
say flavored because the flavored yogurts usually have more sugar in them and
that instant energy. And for a long race (half marathon or longer in my book) I
will usually take 2-3 GU's with me in my run pack to use along the race course
when I feel the need. By now, I've found that my mile 4 or 5 I need the first
GU then again around mile 8-9 I'll pop another one as I turn up the steam to
finish strong in the last few miles of the 13.1 mile race.
This will be the 4th and last half
marathon that I've committed to for 2014. I made a goal and worked to achieve
that goal. It feels great to know that I can do this regardless of my finish
time. Considering where I was physically and mentally 2 1/2 years ago, I feel
like a colossal success! But having said that, I can't forget the extra goal
I've thrown in there of a 2 hour finish time for this last race. I gotta put
off the celebrations for a few more hours and enjoy the victory when I cross
that finish line in sub 2:00.
I'll let you all know how it goes...
Remember,
Happiness is a Choice, Make it Daily
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