It's a very slow process - two steps forward, one step back - but I'm inching in the right direction. - Rob Reiner

February 27, 2014

It's Race Week!!

It feels like forever since I’ve done a race.  It’s been since Nov 24th since my last half to be exact.

After basically taking the month of December off, it’s been a long couple of months trying to build my mileage back up.  Add in snow storm, after snow storm and a lot of my miles have been indoors.  Luckily I’ve been able to do my last two long runs outside, which is a bonus, but still I’m not feeling quite ready for this race.
We are heading to Little Rock, AR this weekend.  This will be my second time doing the half, and Jim’s third doing the full (or maybe he did a half in there – I can’t remember).  So yes, we like this race.  It’s a neat little town and a pretty fun atmosphere and it's a pretty close drive from home (about 6 hours).

Here’s the forecast -
I can’t say I’m looking forward to that.  I’ve been watching it all week, waiting for it to change.  It hasn’t changed a bit.  That 80% chance of rain (in the morning) has been an 80% chance since Monday.  They seem pretty certain.  I’ve done one race before with similar conditions.  It was about 45 and absolutely poured the entire race.  It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had!  EVER.  I was so cold and so miserable.  It took me hours to warm up.  It probably didn’t help that I was deathly sick with a cold at the time.  I don't remember ever been that cold.  I’m hoping we get lucky.  There is a storm moving through that will drop temps – I just hope it comes through at like 11. 
Driving home should be fun too.  We are expecting up to a foot of snow in Kansas City on Saturday/Sunday.  So we should have lots of snow to drive through on the way home…good stuff.

Lastly, as many of you know I switched to a Ketogenic diet about a week and a half ago.  I’ve been able to get through some hour/hour and a half workouts, but I haven’t ran a half marathon….with no carbs.  I have no idea how my body is going to respond.  Will I feel great?  Or will I crash and burn at mile 8 or 9.  It will definitely be interesting to see.  My back up plan (great one I know) is that if I start feeling really, really crummy I’ll grab some Gatorade at the nearest aid station and “hope” it doesn’t make me sick.

In spite of several obstacles I’m still really looking forward to the trip/race.  I love when Jim and I get to do short getaways and go do the thing we love together.  It’s always fun.  And no matter what the outcome whether we fall flat on our face, come up with a new PR, or practically freeze to death.  It gives us new stories and new memories to share.
So bring it on Little Rock.  Race weekend is almost here!  And it’s going to be EPIC. –That’s their slogan this year.
 

14 comments:

  1. Good luck to you and Jim at the race! Safe travels as well. One of these days we won't have to worry about snow...

    What is your fueling plan during the race?

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  2. You're going to rock this, no worries!

    That is a pretty darn crummy forecast though. I've done half marathons in rain before and they are terrible. And they are even worse when you add cold. At least it's better than the sleet and ice we've been getting lately?

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  3. Have a good weekend. I did Little Rock last year had a great time. I hope the weather holds out for you. It was chilly and rainy the day before the race but on race day it was perfect. Good Luck.

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  4. Safe travels and good luck to both of you!! Can't wait to read about it!

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  5. Good luck & have fun. I'm interested to hear more about your "diet" (what you are eating).

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  6. How about stashing a couple of gels in a pocket for that half marathon? You don't have to use them but they might be a good insurance policy just in case.
    I hope those storms hold off for you.

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  7. Have fun and good luck. I'm a pretty hearty runner but I don't like rain combined with cold. I hope it's better than they're saying. And I think it's funny that 6 hours is a short drive. Although I would do it too!

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  8. Good luck this weekend! Hope the cold and rain holds off for you and Jim. Do you two have any friends at the race? A warm, dry blanket would be heaven at the end of a cold, rainy race.

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  9. Come back with great stories!

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  10. Good luck!! Sounds like it is filled with challenges and YOU will overcome!

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  11. Good luck! Brr. That sounds like some pretty miserable weather to be out for 2+ hours. Definitely have a couple of gels or some whole foods on you during the race - even if you're on a ketogenic diet, the cold, rain and exertion will probably take a lot more out of you.

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  12. Stop saying "Bring it on" ... I've been saying that repeatedly and now we've got all rain for this race ... looks like LR's gonna bring it. You'll be great!

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  13. good luck, good luck, good luck!!!! Hoping the weather holds out for you! I have been doing MAF training which also teaches the body not to use carbs, so far...so good :)

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  14. You are going to do awesome and be awesome! I look forward to hearing all about your experiences this weekend. I think it's fun you and Jim get to make a fun little trip out of this. Those are some of my best weekends when I head out of town with the hubby to a race. (He doesn't run them though. He's a good spectator)

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