Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Game Plan

It's a day away now from my 20-mile run, and my stomach has been in knots all week thinking about it. I'm very encouraged by all of the kinds words and encouragement I've received from you all here on my blog, and I know that if I approach it with the right mindset I should be able to meet my goal. But that doesn't mean I'm not still worried.

I guess it's just the fear of the unknown. After every distance that was an unknown to me, I've worried. When I ran five miles for the first time, I worried. Before my first eight-mile run, I worried. Before all of these monster runs I've done just in the fall alone, I worried. So it's natural then to worry.

The distance is enormously intimidating and it can easily psyche me out, so I'm going to try and follow my advice to myself from earlier this week and break it down into smaller runs.

Today, I'm going to do what I can to adequately prepare my body for running 20 miles. I'm going to make pasta for dinner, and another high-carb meal for lunch. I'm going to snack on carbs too.

Let's see... it would be nice to follow this today but we'll see what sort of curve balls life throws at me

Breakfast: Bagel
AM snack: Banana
Lunch: Sub, with Italian sausage, peppers, and onion; side of sweet potatoes
PM snack: Popcorn
Dinner: Pasta (I'm thinking Bacon and Tomato Pasta)

I really hope I can stick to that today. I have lots to do today, mostly Christmas shopping, but I like to spend time in the kitchen so I'll have to carve out some time to do that and relax in there. Hopefully I will be able to relax.

On Sunday, we'll probably be leaving on our run at around 6:30, and if all goes well I'll be done shortly after 10.

I hope my feet are up for the pounding.
I hope my nipples hold up.
I hope my hamstring is fully recovered.
I hope The Garmin makes it.
I hope the weather cooperates.
I hope my stomach settles down before Sunday morning.
I hope I can sleep tonight.
I hope I make it in one piece.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm rooting for you way over here in NC. Yeah, those nipples should be your #1 worry as painful as they can get. I think your feet have adjusted to the longer distances. How about taking an ibuprophen for the hamstring about an hour before the run? Because it has anti-inflammatory properties it might help. Can't help you with the sleep thing because I'd be tossing and turning too. I usually resort to prayer and meditation during those times. Good luck! I look forward to hearing all about it.

Jephy's Mom said...

LB, I get the worrying part. I worry a lot too. The actual run will probably be a lot easier than the one you've been running in your head. Sometimes, it's good to try not to overthink things. It's better to just do it and see what happens. And no matter what, I'm sure the story will be a good one. Good luck.

Tattoos and Teething Rings said...

You can do it!! Just make sure to put some bandaids over those nipples ;)

tahoegirl said...

we will all be rooting for you. you already did 18, by yourself. these 20 miles will be with people you know and everyone will be each others support. i KNOW you will do just fine and i will be waiting for an update tomorrow. you are one of the reasons i signed up for a half marathon in may!

Lisa said...

You can totally do this L.B. You've done 18, in the rain, so what's another 2 miles? And you will be with people this time - even better. The 20 miles will fly and you will wonder why you ever were worried about it. Looking forward to reading about it.

Mark Baker said...

You can do it! I'm looking forward to hearing about how it went.

Angie Eats Peace said...

This is a great reminder for me not to drink at a holiday party we are going to tonight.
If it makes you feel any better, I am all sorts of unprepared for tomorrow.
I have not run that distance since Long Beach.
I had such a hectic week, I have not run at all since Sunday, and not worked out since Monday.
I have eaten like crap all week, and drank tons of wine.

Should be fun!

Zoƫ said...

You totally got this, LB. You ran 18 miles in the pouring rain in Seattle...two more miles is nothing. :) And just make sure that hamstring is stretched and warmed up. It's not recommended to take any meds before a run, but afterwards is best. The only "safer" option is Tylenol prior to running, but it's still an iffy subject.

Good luck and just have fun with it!