Running Diaries (Race Prep)

My race is almost here! Tomorrow is the day! I have been getting myself ready for this 13.1 mile run, by running long runs on the weekend, staying flexible, drinking water, and eating right.  The thursday before the race, rather than going for a long run, I took a long walk - to keep my muscles loose, and keep my body moving.  It was an active rest day before the big day.

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Long Runs                                            

I began running shorter distances and built up to 10 miles.  I started with 3 miles, then went to 4, 5, 6, and so on. This allowed me to build my stamina for the long run. 

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Flexibility                                             

Being flexible allows you to move your muscles through a full range of motion. If your muscles are too tight, you are limited in your movements and won’t be able to perform as well.

The main muscles I wanted to target were my Hamstrings, Quads, Glutes, Calfs, and most importantly, my Hip Flexors. 

For one day this week I used a foam roller, to perform a myo-fascia release on some of these muscles.  This helps to release the toxins within the muscle, and loosens it up to help it perform its function better.

Other days, before my workout I performed dynamic stretches, like leg kicks, high knees, and butt kicks. After my workouts and during my downtime, performed static stretches, like the hurdle stretch, seated forward fold, stretches for the hip flexors and the IT band etc. 

http://aretecomplete.com

http://aretecomplete.com

Check out some of these stretches. Click.

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Hydration                                                

Hydration is important. Water helps keep your body at regular temperatures, transports waste and nutrients throughout your body, protects the joints, and more.  With exercise, we tend to perspire, and as you lose water, you want to replenish your body with what was lost.

Dehydration can cause a slack in performance, and can limit you from doing well. 

I am always drinking water, making sure that I get the right amount each day.  And with this race ahead of me, I have been focusing on my water intake and keeping my body hydrated.

Check out this post on hydration, and why it is important. Click.

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Eat Right                                                         

I eat pretty healthy on a regular basis. I consume a lot of fruits and vegetables.  I eat meat occasionally.  And I don’t tend to eat junk food.  

Before my morning workouts, I made sure that I had something to eat an hour or two before my exercises/runs.  Fruit smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, yogurt and fruit, toast, etc. I made sure I ate to give my body something to metabolize.  If I don’t eat anything before a workout - I have absolutely no energy.  If I did not eat before exercising, my body would not have anything to use for fuel; so everything that seemed so easy before would become much more difficult.  Eating is extremely important.

Because running such a far distance, I need to make sure I eat right the night before (have enough carbs stored in my body for the run), and eat the morning of.  Stew and I will be staying at a bed and breakfast, so I don’t have to worry about preparing our breakfast.  We will wake up with enough time to get ready, eat, and sign in for the race.  After the half marathon, we will need to restore our body with some carbs and fats - since our bodies will still need energy - and protein, to help rebuild our muscles.

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