Fit Friday - Race Day is Here!
Today is race day! I'm feeling mixed emotions this morning as this past week was rough on me. I've had some doubtful moments that made me question my body's ability to accomplish my goal. I'm sure this is something that many runners, and all athletes, experience at some point. I'm excited and nervous for my race, but also worried that I won't live up to the expectations I've set for myself.
Long Run Saturday: This was, without a doubt, the worst run I've had since my last race. I set out to do an 8.4 mile run. No intentions for speed this time since I was tapering. Given my improved pace in the last few weeks, I just wanted to do an 8 minute mile. And I did, reluctantly. The day before was our work holiday lunch and I allowed myself 2 glasses of champagne. I also went to Disneyland that night, and didn't get home until 11. I slept until 8 the next morning and finally got out on the pavement at 9 am. My mindset was already in poor spirits from the get-go. I was out of my routine, and my legs felt like jello. I wish I could say I rose to the occasion, but I felt like crap. I was happy to finish with an average of 7:56 per mile - but I felt weak.
Cross Training Sunday & Tuesday: I worked hard in Sunday's Body Pump class because I was so disappointed with my run the previous day. After class, I spent another 30 minutes working on my abs and back. When I woke up on Tuesday I felt a little under the weather, but still made it to the gym. As the day went on, I felt worse - my head pounding and nose running by the time I got home.
My run on Wednesday didn't happen. I planned to rest Thursday with my race scheduled on Friday. When I woke up on Christmas Eve, my nose was full of boogers and my chest felt heavy. I decided to sleep more instead of run. I spent Christmas Eve with my family, eating lasagna and cookies. I was exhausted afterwards, but had such a great time with my niece and nephews. Especially my nephew Cade. He just turned a year in August, so it was his first Christmas actually being capable of opening presents. He got this motorized Tow-Mater car and never opened any other gifts because he was so stoked on it! Children are so amazing and make you see how important the simple things can be.
Cade was so happy with his TOW Mater Car! So Cute!
When I woke up on Christmas, I needed to run. I couldn't go into a race having not run for 3 days, so I ran a slow, easy 3 miler at an 8:16 pace. Ricky and I then went back to my family's to eat honey baked ham and scalloped potatoes, along with a delicious cranberry apple cobbler I made via Skinny Taste. This was not my ideal prerace meal, but I wanted to enjoy myself and I did.
Cranberry apple cobbler was delicious - and pretty healthy
I'm still feeling a little under the weather, but we'll see how this race turns out. I'm hoping my body will do me right and I can finish under 1:45. Wish me luck! I hope you all had a great holiday with your family and friends!
J
