8/28/10

A Countdown and a Winner

Well my friends, in exactly four weeks today I will be amidst the last minute preparation (hydrate, hydrate hydrate! carbs, carbs, carbs! sleep, sleep, sleep!) for my very first 1/2 marathon. That's right four freakin' weeks!  28 crazy days! 672 wacky hours! O.M.G!

A part of me is starting to get a little nervous but for the most part it's a good nervous, the kind that gives you little butterflies as opposed to, oh I dunno, nausea or dread. Hahaha! I am looking forward to the buzz of that morning, when thousands of other people come together for the same cause: Get through the next 13.1 miles and hopefully do it quickly and with a smile on your face. I hear that there is an energy at this start line that isn't replicated by any of the other races that I have done so far so it should be quite the rush.

I am also really, REALLY looking forward to crossing the finish line. That moment is the moment that I have been training for, the moment that I think about (somewhat emotionally if I am being honest) when I run each of my longer runs. Its really the moment when all the accomplishments that I am already so proud of come to a head in an "Eeek!!! I did it, I did it, I did it!!" way. I don't think I will take that finisher's medal off for at least a week.

On top of running I am really focusing on a few things to get me to race day in what I can only hope will be top form:


  • Hydrate- Lots and lots and lots of water. Less caffeine. Very little alcohol.
  • Carb Up- A steady stream of complex carbohydrates over the course of a few weeks rather then a last minute "carb load".
  • Stretching- Keep my muscles limber and loose after what will be the longest practice runs of my life.
  • Sleep- Lots of rest and relaxation to keep me sane  energetic after all that running.
  • Clean Eats- Tons of nutritious and wholesome meals to keep my energy levels and immune system up.
It should be an exciting month!


CSN Giveaway


I want to thank everyone who took the time to enter my very first giveaway. Its been great to hear from regular and new readers and I really appreciate all of your support!


The winner of the $40 CSN gift card is:


Nora @ Live Life, Eat Right. If you haven't been to her blog I highly recommend that you high tail it over there right now. Nora is a foo blogger with an appetite for all things delicious. She tells me that she plans to purchase either a wire cooling rack, a waffle maker or a roasting pan with the certificate. Whatever she chooses I am sure that it will be put to good use!


Congrats Nora! Let us know what you end up buying and all the yummy food that comes from that purchase!



So tell me, are you counting down to anything right now? Race, wedding, school starting? Tell me all about it

8 comments:

  1. AHHHH!!! Oh my goodness! Thank yo so much I am beyond excited! i haven't been blogging much with the move and this just made me extremely happy! I will most certainly let you know and cant wait to read more of your blog :).

    Best,
    Nora

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  2. P.S I'm running a half marathon with my dad in 3 weeks! Can't wait to hear about urs!!

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  3. Yay! Good luck with the last few week's prep. We all know you'll knock them dead. These tips are extremely helpful too. Not only will you be preparing for the half, but getting more rest and clean eating is going to make you feel amazing.

    I'm preparing for my wedding which is almost exactly one year from now...I'm wishing I could handle over the tasks to a professional, but that wouldn't be any fun now, would it? :)

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  4. Hey just started following your blog but good luck and congrats on your first half marathon! I just did my first one this past April and LOVED it... it really is just awesome! and you're planning for the month before sounds great! Can't wait to see how it goes!

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  5. That's so exciting that it's coming up so soon! I'm sure you're going to rock all your practice runs. :)

    I saw in your last post that you took out The Omnivore's Dilemma from the library! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!

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  6. I loved reading your post! Your excitement is wearing off on me. Although the half marathon that I'm running in Sept. is not my first, every half feels like you just described. Thank you for reminding me! You'll do awesome!

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  7. What a run! I am too shocked that you like to run in crowded places. I get irritated by those around me and almost knock down little children :)

    I reward myself with smoothies as well - green ones!

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  8. How exciting! I am training for a 10K but I'd love to do a 1/2 some day.

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