Kelly the Culinarian: The Dos and Don'ts of Race Week

Monday, September 10, 2012

The Dos and Don'ts of Race Week


I may have mentioned it once or twice, but I'm going to run a marathon this weekend. No biggie.

Kim and I taking a run
It's just that I've spent four months leading up to this day and I'm hoping for the best. There are so many things that will go on that are outside of my control, so this week, I'm focusing my energies on the aspects of this race I can change.  Here's how I'll be spending the days leading up to race day.

Dos
  • Get extra sleep. At Kim's suggestion, I started heading upstairs early and turning off the lights about 45 minutes before I usually go to sleep.  I probably won't sleep much the night before, so I'm trying to bank sleep as much as I can.  
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  I'm drinking as much water as I can to make sure my muscles are ready to work.
  • Visualize the race. Even though the runner's guide made me sweat, I'm still using a few minutes every day to picture myself running at a comfortable pace, pain free towards an in-sight finish line.
  • Engage in positive self-talk. I want to psych myself up, so I try and tell myself a few times a day that by this time next week, I'll be a marathoner.
  • Stretch and foam roll. It can only help me at this point.
  • Eat clean. I'd prefer to avoid any major tummy troubles on race day.
Don'ts

  • Drink. Sorry, Sam, but we're not friends right now.  It dehydrates me and I don't need the calories.
  • Diet. On the other hand, I don't need to cut calories right now, either.
  • Try anything new. Now is not the time to try CrossFit, eat at a new Indian buffet or buy a new outfit for the race.  Time to stay with the tried and true.
  • Stress out about the weather. There's nothing I can do to change it, so no need to think about it.
  • Try to fit in an extra workout or push myself during my runs. I'm not going to get any faster/stronger/fitter/leaner/smarter in the next few days, so a tough workout would only serve to exhaust me.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You missed one more DO : Smile. Relax the hard work is done and Im looking forward to seeing you with your finisher medal on Sunday.

Big hugs youll be awesome xxxx

Maggie W said...

You're going to do awesome!!! And then you can talk the rest of us off our ledges in three weeks.

Kim said...

Great list! Especially trying new foods. LOL! You never know what that can bring... ugh.

I think visualization helps so much. I was reading an article before the marathon about how Shalane and Kara memorized the course and would imagine it on their long runs... that is dedication!

Pete B said...

I agree with Jenny: Smile, relax and have fun! The electricity that surges through your veins before, during and after the marathon is a one-of-a-kind feeling. Enjoy it!

KellytheCulinarian said...

I can't wait!

Unknown said...

Great advice! The one major mistake I was guilty of during my first half marathon was trying something new...on race day!! Oh wow I paid for that one (blisters everywhere).

Good luck!!!! Make sure to savor every moment and enjoy the experience. You will rock it :)

-Irina

Kelly @ Running Kellometers said...

You are going to do so awesome. You WILL BE a marathoner! I can't wait to hear all about it next week! :)