This time next week, I will have got back from running my first ever full marathon. I may not be walking very well. In fact, I think I may regret living on the 3rd floor in a building with no lift when I stand at the bottom of the stairs, on legs that will have carried me 42.whatever kilometres (I refuse to count 0.whatever kilometres, it's the 42 that count), knowing that the only way I'm going to get a bath and some food is if I make it to the top of said stairs.
Today, I spent some time getting my stuff together for the race. I've got some of them there compression tights that are supposed to support your muscles as you run. They have been strongly recommended by almost everyone I know who runs or does triathlons (yep, I know some crazy folks) and I figured I should get as much on my side as I can. What they don't tell you is that compression tights are a bugger to get into. Obviously, to allow them to support your muscles, they have to have only a little stretch in them. Cue a quite stressful moment in the changing room, when I seriously doubted I would ever get back out of them, and wondered if I could get away with wearing them non-stop for a full week, and then cutting them off after the marathon. Luckily, I didn't have to abandon personal hygiene and they are actually not so hard to get back out of. Thankfully, I have no idea how I would have had that conversation in the store.
I also started on the carb loading. I've been told to eat plenty of pasta in the week before the race, to build up the energy in my body. I have no idea if it's actually true, but, meh, any excuse for a bowl of carbonara, that's what I say.
I followed that up with a stroll around town, a quick gawp at the new I-Phone, which I suspect I would have trouble using, but would look cool while I didn't use it, which is part of the battle.
So, all that's left to do is to convince myself I can do this. Mental attitude is part of the battle. Oh, and I also need to make a decent I-Tunes list to help me along the way, the more I can sing along to, the better. Suggestions anyone?
You can do it!
ReplyDeleteLots of positive self-talk!
ReplyDeleteI don't know... I think the store would be pleased if you squeeled in delight and insisted they looked so good you wanted to exercise in them straight away... running red-faced (but defiantly) out the shop.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the next week - and try not to stress to much. This is a positive thing you're doing. Like self-brain-surgery. With a chisel, hammer and funny permanent ink write-on-brain-pens. Just be positive and it will all work out.
As for carb loading - my understanding is that it's mostly a myth. Also not a good idea to pig out on bowl after bowl of pasta the night before. Gravity and constant bouncing will not be your friend. Not unless of course you want to do 6 rounds of boxing afterwards anyhow.
Looking forward to photos - before and after (and during... from your new iPhone?).
"I also started on the carb loading"
ReplyDeleteThis is a good training obligation :)
Runaway Slave - by the Menace Clan for itunes.
Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThe compression tights are supposed to be more help afterwards - for recovery - than actually during the run so try sleeping in them. That will also mean you don't have to try to get them off until your muscles feel better :)
Ok ok.... are you going to keep us in suspense! What happened - how did it go - and are you able to walk or are you being rolled around on a modified skateboard everywhere? Need to know all the glorious (reads gory) details!
ReplyDelete