Happy Thursday gang!
I can’t believe that the race is less than 48 hours away. This shit is getting real folks! This morning, before heading to work, I started packing and everything started setting in. My pace bracelet is printed, my Garmin is charged, and my playlist is made. My amazing friend and run coach, Gia, not only provided me with a suggested goal time, but also studied the course before providing my pace plan.
In case you’re curious, here is my plan for Saturday:
Mile 1-4 – 9:50 pace
Mile 5-7 – 9:54 pace (when the uphill climbs begin)
Mile 7-9 – 9:45 pace
Mile 10-13.1 – 9:40 pace (If I’m feeling good, this is where I’ll let the adrenaline push my pace. Deep down I know that these 3 miles are where I lost the race last year and therefore want to have gas in the tank to push it.)
Since I can’t seem to decide what my favorite song is these days, I decided to make a 52 song playlist so I can put my iPod on random for the whole race and just rock out. I love each of these songs for different reasons and believe that the random selection will keep me from getting bored. I mean really, who can pick and choose the best of old school Brittney, Rush, Soulja Boy, Lady Gaga, and Ludacris?
I’m planning to rock my neon pink compression sleeves and my favorite Lululemon run skirt . My fuel plan is to stick to the water stations and take Pink Lemonade Honey Stingers early and often. I’m a little nervous about the water stations but I’m more nervous about running with my Camel Bak after not using it on any of my training runs this winter.
Hopefully I’ll be smiling like this when I see my friends along the course!
I’m not going to lie, I’m a little worried about the race and my confidence going into it. I’m feeling stronger than I ever have, leaner, faster, and more excited for this race than any race I’ve run lately. But, instead of stressing about the race I’m focusing on the fact that I have super fun running roommates this weekend (Caitlin, Laura, and Theodora) who will be perfect to pre-game with over pasta and foam rolling. When you add that to the fact that green beer day drinking will be waiting for me at the finish line, it’s hard for me to not smile from ear to ear.
I’ll see you tomorrow from the Bolt Bus!
What is your race strategy?
I’m so excited for you! You’re going to be amazing. I love reading your updates. You are stronger and faster and better!
Maybe our paths will cross! I’m in corral 20 :))
Misha there is a good chance that we’ll see each other if this year’s corrals are anything like last years. I’m in 14 because I put down 2:10. I’m hoping to move up a bit if the corrals aren’t strictly enforced.
Sounds like a fun day ahead. And you sound ready to run this race strong. Just believe in your training and your strong body and mind!
Thanks Lauren! Maybe my legs will want to funnel your legs for the race and feel nice and strong. 🙂 I agree that believing in my training is half the battle.
Good luck for the half! I am running the NYC Half on Sunday but I haven’t figured out a strategy yet. Run hard? haha. 🙂
I think run hard is always a good strategy.
Good Luck!! I have a friend running the half and a friend running the full and my husband will be cheering on the runners (and I know they have green beer drinking planned after!)
Putting my Ipod on random works everytime – avoids boredom or knowing what song is next, which sometimes makes the run seem longer!
I haven’t done many races at all – but my strategy is just to think of it as a training run, just go a little faster 🙂 And to think that no matter how poorly I do, I’m still beating all the people home in bed still sleeping!
Lauri I’m excited to try the random music thing for the first time. We’ll se how it goes! Thanks for the well wishes. 🙂
GOOD LUCK!!! You will do amazingly. Enjoy the course–it is great and lots of people cheer. National Half was my first ever half marathon so it holds a special place in my heart!!
Enjoy St P’s day afterwards! Can’t wait to hear the recap after the race!
Thanks Lizzie! I’m glad I ran it last year so at least I feel like I know what to expect.
good luck girl, you are going to do awesome!
Thank you! I’m super excited!!
Good luck and ENJOY that beer at the finish 🙂
Thanks Michelle! I plan on enjoying many a green beer tomorrow! 🙂
Good luck! You are going to do an awesome job! I’m trying to PR the same race tomorrow and I’m jittery and questioning my ability as well, but I know that no matter what happens I’ll have put in my best effort and so will you. Have fun and maybe see you at the finish!