Kicking off this “I got 5 on it” Friday series, I am sharing 5 ways that I am prepping for my race tomorrow morning. I don’t run a lot of races but for some reason I get REALLY nervous before any type of performance. I make “goals” for myself, but I try not to be hard on myself with them. I think I just fear a “fluke” injury or tummy ache or whatever it might be…and the race is ruined (in my mind). Although I know it’s not. Maybe it’s because I don’t run that many races, so when I do, I want them to be good and want them to be worth it. I have trained decent for this race and am pretty excited about it though!
Here are 5 ways that I am prepping for tomorrow:
The Playlist:
First and foremost. The music. I LOVE music and have a blast running to it most of the time. Sometimes it is nice to just run in silence with nature, but for the most part, I love a good beat to run to. I love new pop music, but i also LOVE some classic hip hop and rap. Here are some of my go-to’s for any workout and especially good beats for a run. Here is my playlist for the morning, and I am super pumped to use my Apple Watch for the 1st time!! If you have any must-have songs, shoot them my way!! 😘
The Gear:
Many of you know that I am no stranger to lululemon. I confess…I have a serious addiction. But, I am telling you. They make the best stuff. It is expensive, but it is GOOD and worth it. It functions the best, flatters the most, and lasts the longest. So, there are my thoughts on that (and more for another post). But, here are my faves to RUN in, and what I will be running in tomorrow morning!
Tracker Shorts | Energy Bra | Cool Racerback
Also, obviously the shoes are probably the MOST important. I jump around to different running brands and shoes, but I always get fitted for my foot. If you run and haven’t done this, go to Run In, Fleet Feet, Greenville Running Company, or the New Balance store on Woodruff and they all have educated employees that can help you with the best shoe for your foot and for your runs.
I am currently wearing New Balance Vazee and I am loving them! They are technically for “speed” and are light weight, but they work great for my long runs too. Plus, I love the design and neutral color.
I’m also SUPER PUMPED about my new Apple Watch and running with it tomorrow!
The Fuel:
The night before a race, I try to eat a good meal, nothing TOO crazy healthy, but good nutrients, no sugar, and only water, so that I don’t feel bloated or anything in the morning. For breakfast, I firmly believe in eating SOMETHING 1st thing in the morning, so that it has plenty of time to digest. I always fear getting a stomach ache during races with the addition of nerves, so I keep it minimal and bland.
Tonight I plan to eat some light carbs, like pasta or rice with chicken and broccoli. In the morning, I have heard suggestions to wake up really early, eat something, and go back to bed, so I plan on doing that. I am going to have a banana and PB with half of a bagel for breakfast, maybe at like 4 am.
Also, it’s important starting 2 nights before to get a GOOD night of sleep! So, hopefully I will be in bed before 10pm tonight!
The Goal:
This is only my 3rd 1/2 marathon, so to be honest, I am simply excited to do it and finish with a good time under 2 hours. My last 1/2 I ran with my husband, Nelson (who had a torn ACL and meniscus at the time) and our time was 1:49, so my goal for this race is 1:45.
The Motivation:
To be honest. As cheesy as it might be. This race I am excited about all my boys being at the finish line. Crawford is just old enough to kind of understand now and hopefully will be excited to watch and be proud of his momma..haha. I can always hope. And besides that…just to complete another 1/2 marathon. I have enjoyed the last 2 I have done and look forward to doing more in the future (and I NEVER thought I would say that…as I am naturally a sprinter and NOT a long distance runner). I am also looking forward to running races with Nelson in the future as soon as he heals and recovers from surgery.
Running may not be your thing. I am NO PRO, but I enjoy it a lot. At the end of the day, I’m a “runner”, but I’m not the best at it nor is it “my thing”. But it is an area I can struggle and grow.
Find your happy. Happy Friday! Wish me luck!
