So many kids, I don't know what to do.



Friday, January 28, 2011

Preparation is Key

Over at RuntotheFinish, runner, Amanda, reminded me the other day that, "Hope is not a Strategy."  With this in mind I set off to finish my half marathon preparation.  I have never participated in a half marathon before so I figured I would write down what I did this week so I can later look back at it and assess whether or not it was a  solid preparation routine.

1.  Follow a training plan to the letter for eleven weeks and THEN the week before the race don't finish a single run.  That method truly builds confidence.  Nothing says, "winner" like running 1 mile of a 12 mile training run and then going home to eat a cupcake. 

2. Which brings me to my next strategy.  Eat double the amount of junk food usually consumed in a week.  (Hey.  These are not tips  from Hal Higdon...stick with me, Baby.) Guacamole?  No problem.  Chocolate Pop-Tarts?  Bring 'em on.

3. And finally be sure to get close to no sleep at all the week before the race.  Preferably because little kids have you running upstairs two or three times a night to put them back to sleep and administer Tylenol.  (I hope it was Tylenol.  I was pretty groggy.) If that doesn't work - stay up late blogging or harassing your spouse so they can't sleep either.  Whatever works.

4. And finally....even though it is certainly going to be regrettable.  Buy new shoes two days before the race instead of a couple weeks before.  Genius.

Self-sabotage much?
The Coach keeps telling me I will be fine.  His theory being that if I can run eleven miles I can run thirteen.  I'll let you know how that theory holds up on Monday.

What are you up to this weekend?

11 comments:

  1. Good luck, you will do great. I think that this all comes along in the life of a runner mom. I am with the Coach, if you can run 11 you can run 13 and, the excitment of the race will carry you even more.

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  2. That is a good plan...I think it will work...or not.
    Not doing much this weekend, I get the joy of working tomorrow to cover for the p/t girl.

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  3. Lots and lots of luck! I'm sure it'll be great!

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  4. Sounds like a sure-fire strategy to me!

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  5. The Coach is a smart guy. I'm sure he's right. You'll be fine!

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  6. Oh how I love you...you always make me laugh. Good luck this weekend!!! I'm sure the coach is right!

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  7. This is why I bought a one story house. And I'm seriously impressed with eleven miles. I don't know if I could run one without puking.

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  8. I am not running a marathon, but I got started on the junk food already! Yay!

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  9. You can do it! If I was able to do it, you certainly can! :) Cannot wait to hear how it goes!

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  10. So how did it go? You tapered, got good shoes, loaded with good fuel (cupcakes and guacamole, yum!) - I am sure you did super well.

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I always like to know someone is listening!