My Country Music Irony

In November I decided to run a Marathon. Why? Because, I hate running...and the logic ends there. With my new decision I then had to choose which marathon I wanted to run. I chose the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN. Why? Because I hate country music...now that makes plenty of sense. Since I hate country music every time I run by a band I am going to run faster thus completing my marathon in 1.5 hours. I am now 10 days away from my Marathon. I'm going to run this race even if it kills me and you can run a marathon or any other athletic event too if you follow my fail safe training plan.

First Step:
Decide which event you are going to run/bike/swim in.

Second Step:
Register, you have to put the money down to confirm your commitment, this money will hold you to your training plan for the first month maybe into your second month.

Third Step: (Most Important)
Tell EVERYONE you know that you are going to compete in this event. Give them as much information as they can handle. Tell them about your training plans, the routes you run/ride. The more people you tell the better your chances will be of completing your event. By month three and four you are going to be burned out and chances are you will want to quit. You paid the registration fee months ago you don't care about the money anymore; this is why step three is the most important. Every time you see one of your friends or co-workers they are going to ask you how your training is going. You don't want to tell them you quit, so either you lie or you train...chance are you will train....this is the only reason why I ran during the month of March. It is surprising how personal pride is such a motivator.

Forth Step:
You do need to train, somewhat. Just print out a calendar with distance you need to accomplish that day and try to complete 70% of what you've planned.

Fifth Step:
Week before the race - Carb load, I don't care if it is a 5k your running. Carb loading will make you feel like a champion and it's tasty.

Sixth Step:
Day of the race...visualize your race before hand, have your ipod load with good tunes...I suggest Jimmy Eat World esp. their 'No Pain' song. Make sure you look good and intimidating, you may catch your reflection in a window somewhere along the route and you will need to look good for yourself, it will also make you feel stronger. Before the race and in the middle of the race take some IBuprofen with your energy gel. That should ease a little bit of the pain...somewhere in the middle of the race you are going to wish you stuck to your training plan a little better. I can't help you with that. You are already so close to the finish line, power through and look good for the cameras.