Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Country Music Marathon Final PREP Tips


A few thoughts during CMM race week to mull over. 

1. Relax. Channel that nervous energy! Get your race clothes ready, get everything in place and walk through race morning. Have a hydration and nutrition plan (gels every 4/5 miles water/Cytomax every stop, etc) Leave nothing to chance and leave lots of time to get there. Know you are ready and have done the work, deep, slow, diaphragm breathing will help you stay calm.

2. Sleep! Extra sleep early this week is a huge key. Know that Friday night will likely be fitful because, "racers are too excited to sleep!" and that is totally OK, just get what you can and do not worry about it. You can have a nap, Sat afternoon!

3. Stretch. Yes we all get an "owwie" or 2 leading up to a race so stretch, ice, roll, ibuprofen- just take care of yourself, especially your feet (pumice stone calluses etc.), get a new pair of Swiftwick socks @ Endurance Sports for the race.

4. Eat Right: Early this week till Wed pm go for a high protein diet, then switch over to fuel up time- carbs baby!

5. Hydrate: Starting mid-day Wed be mindful of extra fluids... your pee should be a light lemonade color. Friday mix in some sports drinks as well.

6. Confidence:  The work is done, the hay is in the barn, now it is time to display all the magnificent work you've put in. When the doubt monster creeps in, recall those hard training sessions you completed and did not quit...  

7. Caffeine: If you drink coffee, lower your intake to 0 cups by Thurs and Friday... then enjoy the energizing rewards on race morning.

8. Visualize success: See the hard miles, have a plan if things do not go according to plan, and be flexible and ready. See that finish-shoot and the clock with your goal time in sight. Feel it, be it.

May Christ go with you.

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