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Up the Lazy River Pre-Race Report

May 26th, 2008 · 8 Comments

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It’s 7 a.m. Together this morning, Mac and I will run our first-ever 10k road race. I’m excited, but also a little bit scared. I realize I’m only racing against myself, but I’m still anxious to do well.

I’m gradually prepping my mind for the run. I’ve run 63.22 miles this month (and 42.30 last month). I have a goal — finish in under an hour — that I believe I can meet. Last night as I was falling asleep, I visualized running the course over and over again. (I did a practice run last Monday, so I know what the route is like.) Now I’ve showered and dressed, and am listening to my old reliable workout mix.

I had a big meal last night. As I write this, I’m eating a single banana and drinking juice (Naked-brand “Black & Blueberry Rush”). The juice-drinking has become a regular part of my routine for days with long runs. I’ve taped my nipples (though 6.2 miles is pretty short to need that). I’m drinking water. I’m good to go.

My biggest worry is my left quad. It’s had a little soreness for the past ten days, which is only made worse when I try to run hills. (Hills are probably what caused the soreness in the first place.) I’ll take some ibuprofen before I leave the house, but I don’t know if I should ice the sore muscle. I’m not going to — ice helps long-term, but it also tightens the muscle short-term, and that’s the opposite of what I want to have happen.

Anyhow — I’m as ready as I can be. The race starts in two hours. I should be back by noon Pacific to provide a recap.

Tags: Competition · Exercise · Real-Life




8 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Doug Mitchell // May 26, 2008 at 6:43 am

    I can related. I’m training for our Olympic Distance Triathlon here in Des Moines, the Hy-Vee Triathlon and did my first 10k a couple months back. I’ve been doing the whole swim, bike, run training so I wasn’t sure how my running would function as a stand alone. It went great. My key to success was pacing w/someone. We did then entire 10k together. I’m a slow runner so we came in at 1 hr. 4 min. I felt victorious :0 Very satisfying. If you ever explore the world of triathlon…you may just get hooked. Good luck today and Godspeed.

  • 2 Katharine // May 26, 2008 at 6:47 am

    Tape your nipples? What the heck does that do?

  • 3 Katharine // May 26, 2008 at 6:47 am

    Aaah, hit enter too soon… good luck though! I’m sure you can do it :D

  • 4 Paul J. // May 26, 2008 at 8:43 am

    Good luck.

    ps. We really DON’T want to know about your nipples.

  • 5 J.D. // May 26, 2008 at 11:14 am

    Taping your nipples is very important, at least for some (most?) men. As you run, your shirt abrades your nipples, which can be quite painful. I first noticed this on a 12-mile run a couple weeks ago. Mac and I both wore band-aids today. But Mac lost the band-aid on his right nipple mid-race. He finished with a bloody shirt. No joke.

  • 6 Katharine // May 26, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    That is sooo weird >.> and painful sounding… ouch

  • 7 luneray // May 26, 2008 at 12:36 pm

    And all this time I thought a man taping his nipples was simply a joke on the Office.

    I obviously don’t come from an athletic family…

    And, it’s 1:30 pm Pacific time and no update! dude, you can’t end your post on a cliffhanger like that! I’m guessing that you and macdaddy are celebrating. :)

  • 8 Paul J. // May 26, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    Yes, I know all this but I still don’t want to know about your nipples. That’s an image I just don’t want in my head.

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