Countdown to the 1/2

With 1 day to go…on dark, cold and rainy Saturday mornings we often wonder why we are out running when we could be enjoying a leisurely morning at home, sleeping in, reading the newspaper, sipping coffee…how did it feel? It sucked right? Saturday mornings are made for running (that’s what the “r” in Saturday stands for), enough already, let’s get this race done! Be kind to yourself today, rest, hydrate and carb up, save the hooch and the treats until tomorrow. Get in your car and go for a drive and preview the course. This afternoon take a load off, put your feet up, have a nap…it’s ok, really. Nothing crazy for dinner, no spice, no bean soup, avoid anything that could possibly cause you any kind of stomach upset. If you are going to raise your glass tonight over dinner don’t forget to balance it with water, your urine should be pale to clear in colour all day (I know, too much information but I had to go there). Lay out all of your gear that you will be wearing tomorrow, if the timing chip goes on your shoe attach it, attach your race bib or dig out your race belt from 5 Peaks last year, pack a bag with a change of clothes for after the race (if you are among the very fortunate you only have 1 hour after you stop sweating until you start to stink, I will address this in an upcoming blog). Set your alarm for the morning, give yourself plenty of time to get ready, eat and get your body moving (I am not referring to your muscles…take advantage of the friendly toilet, port-o-potties are not friendly). You may not be tired because you have been sitting on your ass for the last few days, but go to bed early anyway, close your eyes visualize the course that you previewed earlier today…breath.

With 2 days to go…put on your business socks “it’s business, it’s business time”. Lots to think about today. If you have been slacking a bit in the lifestyle department, snap out of it. Focus on carb loading not fat loading. Absolutely have fettuccine for dinner but nix the alfredo sauce. I would choose a with a whole wheat pasta if possible, tomato sauce with plenty of veggies and chicken, and start it with a spinach salad (I love spinach salad) with fruit instead of dressing of course. Your water bottle should be your best friend for the next few days, hydrate my friends. Take it with you wherever you go, it will also make for ego boosting conversation. Even if they don’t ask, tell everyone you meet about your big race on Sunday and how you have trained so hard, and make it abundantly clear that you will be running 21.1km (there are some people out there who don’t know what distance constitutes a 1/2 marathon). Today is also the day to start thinking about race wardrobe, perhaps you might need a new pair of shorts or some running glasses, you definitely need a new pair of socks, treat yourself you deserve it. Keep stress to a minimum, I know blah blah blah, but do, stay relaxed and positive, you are a rock star!

With 3 days to go…you may be starting to feel some psychosomatic aches and pains, ignore the voices in your head.  Race day package pick-up starts today, no panic, you have until Saturday to pick yours up. Replace today’s run with 30 minutes of stretch or gentle yoga, your muscles will thank you for it.  Before going to bed tonight, visualize crossing the finish line…think finish line photo, chin up, chest out, shirt down.

With 4 days to go… as this is not usually a running day for you, it shouldn’t be a big deal to take it easy today. Do get out there today and stretch your legs, take the dogs for a walk or take the train downtown and enjoy our fabulous city and the wonderful weather. Speaking of weather, the weekend forecast looks excellent, running glasses will be more than appropriate for Sunday

With 5 days to go….today will be your last run, nothing crazy terrain wise, 30 minutes nice and easy. Nutritionally, as always, good carbs, lean protein, dark green and orange veggies. Tonight is a perfect night to enjoy some Olympic hockey and curling, so when you are thinking about hydration, don’t forget the one and one rule.  GO CANADA!