Week Fifteen

Exercise:

  Sunday: Brooksie Way 10K (as listed on last week's post)
  Monday: Early morning 5 miles with Dawn. 55 min
  Tuesday: Morning run with Bryce. 3 miles on Paint Creek. 36 min
  Wednesday: 5 miles on Polly Ann trail with Dawn. 55 min
  Thursday: Rest
  Friday: Rest
  Saturday: Frankenmuth Half Marathon; the Bruckelaufe. 130 min (2 hrs 10 min)

Food: Drink lots and LOTS of water!

Poundage: Lost 1# (164 to 163) That's 40 overall!!

My friend Natalie convinced me to run the Frankenmuth Half as part of my training. I was planning on running the first 9 miles then walking the remainder, but I ended up just running the whole race and doing so with 10 minute miles!

It was more of a trial and error run to see what running a 13.1 mile race was all about and to prepare myself for the hype and process to look forward to in Detroit. I'm really glad I ran it: I had a great time and learned a few things that will help me succeed in two weeks.
#1: I can totally do it! At the beginning, my goal was to cross the finish line. After a bit, my goal was to run the whole race. Now, I have a time to beat!
#2: Don't over hydrate the day/night before. I ended up having to stop and wait in line for a potty break.
#3: Don't stress over not getting sleep the night before. I only got 5 hours (thank you, Charlie), but still performed great.
#4: Wait for the crowd to go through the starting gate, then take off. It's much more fun to pass people than to be passed. And it's less crowded.
#5: Start slow! Don't let excitement and adrenaline push you. Energy saved at the beginning really will be available at the end.
#6: No need to get water at aid stations. I made a mess trying to drink while running, and was only able to take a tiny sip. I just need to have a little snack (I really liked an applesauce pouch from powerbar) at about mile 9.
#7: No heavy fiber the day/night before. For breakfast I had a banana and a Clif bar an hour before the race, that was perfect.
#8: Post race procedure: Drink A LOT of water. Walk around. Ibuprofen. Ice bath, then hot bath. Lots of carb snacks. And now is the time to get some sleep, if possible.
#9: Having a loved one cheering you on makes all the difference! Especially if they can join you for a few strides: