WEEK 17: HALF MARATHON 2019

WEEK 17 TRAINING BEGINS Some of you may be running or walking your race at the end of this week on Saturday or Sunday. Good luck if you are putting toes to the start line. If not, and you are racing the next weekend May 18 or 19 it’s important to carry on with the taper.
 
Take time to go review your nutrition plan the week and night before, and the day of the race. If you are flying to attend a distant competition, check out what food and fluid sources are available to you in the days leading up to the race, for meals before that day, and breakfast that morning. Consider checking a bag so you can stow non-perishable food items in it as needed.
 
Even if you have access to a car where you’ll be, grocery shopping may be challenging. Be sure local stores carry your brands and special dietary items. Although you may not regularly buy food items at Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and other similar stores in your home locale, these businesses now carry perishables and may be convenient resources in big cities or small towns. If you are driving from home, bring with you as much of what you plan to eat and drink as is possible.
 
Staying with friends can be tricky. It’s usually not polite to hand over a list of specific food items to a host /hostess to obtain for you the week before arrival, but important not to disrupt your usual routine in advance of and on the morning of the race. So, do it and plan to bring generous gifts to make up for the extra work that will be necessary on your behalf.
 
Determine in advance restaurants you will dine in for meals if that’s the nutrition plan. Check menus online. Call ahead. Possibly service will change for a big race bringing in thousands of additional potential patrons on race weekend; ask if there are pre-race issues of which runners should be aware before arriving.
 
I once was shy in this regard when staying with friends for races.  We weren’t on the same frequency about pre-race food and rest.  I did not signal that I needed their help to eat and sleep according to plan.  Consequently these were stressful events for me.  My hostess for the next big away race was a runner.  She went through menus with me before I arrived on her doorstep, gym bag in hand. Mary, you’re one of a kind! I hope to repay her kindness in the future.

Remember that those who are non-runners, or running the shorter 5K or 10K, may be in a party mood at a time when you must stay in training mode.  Make your intentions to stick with a diet plan clear but promise that after the race you’ll join and even lead the fun.

In addition to nutrition, plan transportation and parking in advance too. If you’re walking or running a ‘neighborhood’ race, be aware that familiar landscapes can change ahead of an influx of runners and spectators.
 
Race day is almost here! Let the taper allow you to be fresh for the big effort and get all the travel details settled so your mental focus can be on performance.
 
RUN & MOVE HAPPY!