The Westminster 13.1

This Saturday I am running a 1/2 marathon. I have set a goal for myself that I know I am physically capable of doing. BUT, that being said I am still a very big beginner when it comes to racing and although your body can handle something your own brain can end up becoming your worst enemy.

For this race I decided, it is time to tell my brain who is boss and run "Guns to the Max" (One of my friends uses that saying and I just happen to really like it).  Now, you must understand that I am currently training for a marathon (Grandmas) and I have not done any specific training for this race.  My tempo runs are at marathon pace and my long runs are slow.  I do a speed workout twice a week with my running club (which I absolutely LOVE) and I am hoping that all of this mixed together will end up giving me a good overall time.

So, of course I am nervous.  And what happens to me when I get nervous........ I dunno, I go to pick up my race packet and end up purchasing all kinds of goodies that I don't need.... but of course it is OK because I got an additional 25% off.  All the stuff you see below is a variety of what I do typically use when running a marathon.  I haven't found my favorite cocktail of GU, Sport Beans, Roctane, shot bloks, etc. so I decided to add to my current collection (which as I hope you imagine is plenty big and I will be running several marathons before I actually go through all of it). Oh, and the extra socks and grid foam roller just happened to end up in my pile while checking out.  oopps.

During the 1/2 I will most likely use at most 2 GU's or something of that nature.  On a side note, today I went for a slow recovery run, only ate a Yogurt before thinking I would feel fine.  During the middle of the run I ended up having a blood sugar issue.  So I found some gobstoppers, pounded about 5 and felt a ton better.  Now I am wondering, do I just mostly need sugar? or is all the extra stuff found in GU, etc. really necessary? I dunno, I bought plenty of both and decided I will carry some sour patch kids with me just as a chaser in case I am feeling on a sugar low.  With 36g of sugar per serving, I think I will be fine. cheers.=)

I get nervous before every single speed or tempo run as it is, let along an actual race.  I am typically not the competitive type.  I would consider it a weakness of mine. But I would like to turn that weakness into a strength and sooooo on we go. WISH ME LUCK=) and for all of you Colorado peeps who live somewhere near Westminster come run! It is a small race and very reasonably priced.

Come on out Colorado Runners, it will be a great way to start your spring running season.

Energy Drink Anyone??

I wish that my body was full of natural energy.  I wish that I could run for hours without slowing down. That I could just jump out of bed in the mornings ready to go workout with tons of energy.  But the reality is that I just don't have it.  My four kids have sucked all the energy out of me.  Yet I know that just because I often fall tired doesn't mean that is any excuse not to workout.  So I have tried many different ways to get myself some energy before a run, race or even a gym class.  I have tried 5 Hour Energy, Jelly Belly Sports Beans that have caffeine in them,  Shot bloks and Gu.  They all have their good things about them but the one thing that I have found that I just love is an energy drink called Spark.

The company that makes it is Advocare.  They are a health and wellness company offering world class energy, weight loss, nutrition and sports performing products.  Please click on the link SPARK.  And you can read more about how great it is for you and that it will only help you with whatever you are trying to gain in your workout that day.  And you can order it right off the site.  My favorite flavors are fruit punch and lemonade.  You must give it a try if you need a little kick before you tie up your shoes.. get on your bike.. or do whatever it is you do to make you feel better about yourself.