It's All About Balance

    For the most part, I eat clean.  It's that "for the most part" that keeps me from those few pounds that actually may make a bit of a difference over the 26 miles..wait..26.2...you can't forget that .2 of the marathon.  If I was math savvy, I could give an example of the difference of carrying 137 pounds for 26.2 versus 133-135.  (Although, when the woman at the drivers license counter just this week asked,"Is everything correct from your last license?" Me:"Yes." Her: "Still an organ donor?" Me:

"Yes." Her: "Still 120 on the weight?" Me: without hesitation "Yep"  She looked at me and smiled. She knew damn well I was telling a lie but women have an understanding that whatever weight is on the license at sixteen, remains.)  So! According to my license, I'm good to go!  ;-)

     The thing is, if I try "dieting" I do awful, and let's be honest...athletes need food.  I even got The 21 Day Fix...which lasted about one day..and didn't fix me because I'm quite certain they sent me the version that was used for a smaller scale display or something.  I kid you not, a golf ball filled the carb container.  Definitely not my style.   

     It really is true, if you want to perform well, it does matter what fuel you are putting into your body. Not eating enough while training for a marathon (or any training) can be disastrous on longer runs as well as recovery. However, just as disastrous is having the mindset that if you run 18 miles, you can eat the whole pizza and dessert.  You tell yourself, "Oh, this won't matter.  I've got a huge run this weekend."  That's not quite how you should be thinking.  It's about balance.  Just because you are doing extreme training, doesn't mean you can be doing extreme eating.  

      You have to find what fuels your body and not go by the latest trend, or even worse, try something new the week of the race.  I try to eat the same things prior to long runs, so I can see if what I'm eating is really working.  I'm into the longer runs, like 18 and 19 miles now, so I eat the same things I'll be eating race week.   Prior to the run, it's oatmeal with a scoop of protein and a piece of toast with half an avocado sprinkled with red pepper.  During the run my necessities are a gel every 5-6 miles and BASE (it's an electrolyte salt) every mile if it's very hot, or every couple if it's average temp.  One hip bottle has Gatorade and the other hip bottle has a water.  I'm currently practicing getting the gel down without slowing down...or not dropping my water or Gatorade bottle while unclasping it from the belt.  I haven't decided if I'll carry my own for the marathon or use what they offer on the tables....just as long as it doesn't slow me down.   Oh! I forgot the morning coffee. That's a must.  Yes, I roast my own beans that I order and grind it fresh every morning..it's like crack.  I've never tried crack but I'm sure it's probably close. :-)  

     So, there you have it, Buckers.  Some random thoughts about balance and being prepared for what you will use on race day.  If you want a treat, then have it...just not every day..or every other day...once a week is probably good.  I'll either be completing a long run this weekend or in line at the Dairy Queen. Balance, Buckers.  

     

The Garmin Faceplant

On January 28th, my life as I knew it came to a screeching halt.  No, there wasn't a tragedy or death...though the next seven days of my life I'm pretty sure I thought I saw the Grim Reaper.  I had influenza, and my Garmin activity took a turn for the worst.  In fact, it looks like I completely face planted and didn't move for seven straight days.  I had an amazing training run that included speed work on Thursday the 26th, then Friday came and it began....the aches, fever, chills, headache, kill me now symptoms.  Three days into the sickness, I started to make deals in my head.  A prayer if you will, to the Great Wellness in the Sky.  It went something like this..."I just want to feel better so I can run, hell, okay just to even walk, okay, even get out of this recliner..I'll, um, well, I'll never say f*%$ anymore. (a very long pause) Or at least not as much.  Like only when things are bad. Like now, they are really f&(*&& bad.  If I could just suddenly get better, that would be so f*(&^^ awesome.  Amen."

  

OK, so I need to work on my prayer skills a little. I'm pretty sure I was heard but didn't seem sincere, so the sickness continued.  That's the thing with prayer, you have to be sincere.  I thought about that for a while, then the marathon in April came into mind.  I have to be sincere in my training if I truly want to qualify for Boston.  I do, and I am sincere. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to be doing.  The speed work, the mid runs, the long runs, and most import, the rest.  Often ten miles are completed before school in the morning, so I don't miss out on family time.  Believe me, getting up at 3:52 (I have a thing about the number 7) in the morning to run ten plus miles is being sincere.  I couldn't be any more bucking sincere if I tried.  But will it be enough?  It will help for sure.  However, after completing six Ironman Triathlons (no, not bragging), I can honestly tell you, it comes down to the sincere belief in oneself, that crosses that finish line and reaches a set goal.  The miles can be stored and the speed work completed, but if my mind isn't set for the pace, it won't happen.  Does it hurt?  Yes.  Am I obsessed?  You have to be.  Do I picture the finish line?  Every day. 

Do you have a goal?  If not, get one.  Life is short, Buckers.  Your health is precious, so set a fitness goal and go for it this spring or summer...because somewhere today, someone is lying in a bed with failing health saying a sincere prayer to be well...and you are healthy...so get up and use it.  I mean that sincerely, Buckers. :-)