Mississauga Marathon Race Goals!

This is going to be the most unsurprising post ever!

I'm not even going to drag it out and talk about why, how etc. You know. You've been reading.

A Goal:

3:59:59

I TOTALLY CAN!

right?

Result: All of the stars align in terms of weather, fuel, bathroom breaks, mental toughness.

I am triumphant and proud as I cross the finish line, hands in the air.

B Goal:

4:01:00-4:05:59

I have no idea what my body is going to do after 33k.

Result: I held to the very best pace I could at the end of the race. I struggled with weather, fuel or my bathroom breaks.

I am triumphant and proud as I cross the finish line, hands in the air.

 

C Goal:

 

4:06-finishing

 

I have no idea what my body is going to do after 33k.

Result: I held to the very best pace I could. I struggled with weather, fuel or my bathroom breaks.

I struggled badly mentally. 

I am triumphant and proud as I cross the finish line, hands in the air.

D Goal:

Not to crap my pants

(with thanks to 51feetunder for that goal!)

Result: No matter what, I'm positive I will meet this goal.

See you on the flip side of 42.2!

Race Day Strategy

Strategy: Clothing:

I’m going to wear my running room men’s shorts that have built in underwear. They are a bit big, but have a draw string. They are super comfortable and dry quickly. They are black, so don’t show sweat stains. I’ll be wearing my Under Armour racer back sports bra that I love even though it is now a bit big for me. Good thing my nursing days are over and my breasts have shrunk. As for a top – I’m not sure yet. I have a few options, but am thinking about taking my Bread & Honey 2011 race shirt and writing my name on it and wearing that. I may end up with a tank top if the weather is going to be stupid hot. We’ll see. I’ve never used body glide, so there will be tones of Vaseline as well. My hair will be… doing something. I don’t think I’ll wear a hat, but I’m not sure yet. Sunglasses will be a game day decision. There will be no fuel belt.

Strategy: Fuel and Water

Breakfast will be around 5:15-5:30am and will include a whole wheat bagel and peanut butter. I will eat a banana around 6:45-7:00. I am going to take a GU every 8km which will be every 45 minutes or so. I have a few different flavours and will carry 5 with me. I will start the race with a toss away 500mL bottle of water to get me through the first few drink stations to avoid crowds. I will toss it when it’s empty or when I begin to hate it. From there I will rely on the water stations every 2km. I will walk through each. This is my one worry.

Strategy: Pace

I will stick to pace. The first 25k should be fine. It is from there where things may get hairy. I will listen to my body and not allow my mind to screw with me in regards to negative thoughts. My plan is to find the pace bunny and stick with them so long as they are running at true pace. I will not push until the last 2k.

Strategy: Hills

I will allow gravity to play its normal roll on any downhill, but I will keep my IT bands in mind. For uphills, I will maintain effort.

Strategy: Mental

I will fist pump. I will high-five. I will suck it up. I will conquer. I will finish.

Thanks to The Happy Runner for the image

What I Ate Wednesday

Another round of What I Ate Wednesday! Its final taper week and work is crazy, but I'm still eating, okay I guess!

 Rather then show you a boring photo of my eggo with syrup and blueberries, I bring you a cute photo of Fergus eating the very same thing for breakfast!

I was scheduled to be in all day training yesterday (I got pulled out one hour in and didn't return). I celebrated by enjoying this chocolate croissant with my usual Grande Bold.

As I missed my free lunch as part of training, I ran out to the food court and built my own salad with romaine, spring mix and spinanch topped with chickpeas, beets, feta, sunflower seeds and balsamic. I also enjoyed an olive roll with butter.

Dinner. Pretty standard on Tuesdays.

Post run goodness. I'm so close to the marathon and I'm doing well on tracking calories in versus out that I'm indulging! I also had some pretzels while watching Brett Lawrie walk off and home run to win the game for the Jays!

I promise that next week will involve what I ate on marathon day (4 days from now!)

Hope you're all enjoying good food!