Archive for April 28th, 2009
Tune-Up #1
Today’s distance: 3.1 miles
Today’s time: 0:26:47 (08:38/mile)
Net calories burned: 19,399 (+360)
Total miles run: 230.0 miles
It’s hard to believe that this is my second-to-last run before the race. I’ve been relatively calm up until today, when the reality of it all hit me: I received an e-mail from the OC Marathon staff detailing the race day schedule of events, and it was then that a few butterflies crept in my stomach. I’ve done the mileage, but I haven’t picked up any supplies: GU Energy Gel and BodyGlide, mainly, but I’m also in need of a new pair of running shorts and shirt. Looks like Friday and/or Saturday will be my designated shopping day. The Marathon Expo is also on Saturday, so hopefully I can pick up a few free sample or two and scope out some vendors.
I did today’s run with a specific goal: to teach myself to continue running/pushing the pace when tired. I began the run a little faster than usual and when my legs started feeling fatigued, I tried to push myself a little harder. I know the feeling is going to come on race day during the last mile or two; it happens whenever I’m close to finishing a run (both short- and long-distance). My body and mind tend to flatten a bit at the end since I know I’m almost done. It’s not something I’ve specifically worked extensively on, but today was a start just to get my mind in race day mode. At this point, my primary goal is stay as fresh as possible on my legs; no tree trunked legs for me.
My diet this past week has been pretty good (for me, that is). I’m trying to fill my tank with clean, unleaded fuel: grilled chicken, grilled salmon, whole grains, lots of water, and the like. Coffee doesn’t count, right?
I have one more run to go before I recuperate and begin resting for the big race! I can’t wait.
