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<\/p>\nWell, this is it.\u00a0 My race is in less than a week.\u00a0 I’ve made it through all those crucial runs – the 5 – 1 mile sprints, the 8 mile tempo, the 12 mile long run, and everything in between.\u00a0 I just have a few easy runs left and then it’s go time.\u00a0 I am staring down that 2 hour half marathon and sizing it up.\u00a0 It looks like a fierce competitor, but I also have all these things I’ve learned in the last three months.<\/p>\n
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I’ve learned that I can push through a lot of discomfort – usually what stops me is the voice in my head, not necessarily my physical capacity.\u00a0 But I’ve run into both.\u00a0 And I’ve learned the difference.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned I can hold the pace I need to do it for 8 miles.\u00a0 What’s another 5, right?<\/p>\n
I’ve learned about how fast I can start out and not want to die at the end.\u00a0 Running a couple good, speedy miles at the beginning actually boosts my confidence and helps me not feel behind.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned that I run faster in the cold even though I hate getting out there.\u00a0 Which is a good thing – since I’ll be running at 7am, it’s certainly not going to be very warm.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned that I don’t have to sacrifice speed for distance, as long as I train smart.\u00a0 Distance speedwork is AWESOME.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned that not running two days in a row means much better quality runs and way less burnout.\u00a0 I cannot foresee running more than 3 days a week ever again.\u00a0 I guess technically I will this week but it barely counts.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned that not worrying about a few extra pounds close to race day actually makes me a better runner.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned that feeling like a human garbage disposal about a month out will happen every long distance race, and I just need to make sure to feed my body mostly good stuff.\u00a0 And sugar is not the enemy, but it needs to be moderated.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned that training my head is as important as training my body.<\/p>\n
I’ve learned a lot.\u00a0 And now it’s time to put it to the test.\u00a0 So I am going to go for it at the race, and take all these things I’ve learned and bust ass.\u00a0 Under 2 hours, here I come.\u00a0 More importantly, cute little running skirt, here I come!\u00a0 (priorities, right?)<\/p>\n
Last week by the numbers:<\/p>\n
Monday – 4×800 @ 4:02 per sprint, 400m recovery in between, 1 mile warmup and cooldown – done.\u00a0 Easy peasy.<\/p>\n
Tuesday – ditched serious business cross training to go to Adult Skate Night for an hour.\u00a0 Totally decent workout.<\/p>\n
Wednesday – 3 mile tempo @ 8:55 – done.\u00a0 Also did abs and some legs after since 26 minutes doesn’t feel like enough punishment at the gym at all.\u00a0 Woke up the next morning at 6:45 am because my abs hurt.\u00a0 Must get back into lifting and pressing heavy things.<\/p>\n
Thursday – 30 mins on the arc trainer, arms, and other leg muscles.<\/p>\n
Friday – off<\/p>\n
Saturday – 8 mile long run @ 9:40 pace (kinda demolished that at 9:27 pace).<\/p>\n
Sunday – off<\/p>\n
This week coming up it’s all about:<\/p>\n
-No smokes or drinks until after the race.\u00a0 I am in goody two shoes mode.<\/p>\n
-Lotsa yoga to stay limber.\u00a0 Every day if I can.<\/p>\n
-No weights this week.<\/p>\n
-Hydration and good nutrition, and no restriction on calories.\u00a0 If I’m hungry, I must eat.<\/p>\n
Training:<\/p>\n
Monday: 4×400 sprints @ 1:58 per 400, 400 rest in between, 1 mile warm up and cool down<\/p>\n
Tuesday: 30 mins cross training<\/p>\n
Wednesday: 2 mile tempo @ 8:55 per mile.<\/p>\n
Thursday: rest<\/p>\n
Friday: 2.5 mile easy run in the neighborhood.\u00a0 At 7am.\u00a0 No matter the weather or temp.\u00a0 I have never run this early before and I don’t want the first time to be on race day.<\/p>\n
Saturday: rest<\/p>\n
Sunday: 13.1!\u00a0 Race day, BABY!<\/p>\n
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Last time I was really freaked out about the taper, but my legs felt SO FRESH and SO GOOD out there on Saturday’s run, that only putting in a few short miles this week seems like the right thing to do.\u00a0 So good thing that’s the plan!<\/p>\n
So, anyone out there with some karma to spare, send good running vibes my way., please!\u00a0 Any last minute tips from you veteran runners out there?\u00a0 Anyone want to lend me their morning-person-ness for a day so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the race (seriously, 7am = the middle of the night for me)?\u00a0 Anyone running this race here in Austin this weekend?<\/p>\n