Training Time

It’s training time! I know I am starting a month earlier than expected…but I’ve been so lazy lately that I needed to get a jump on my training…I took 8 weeks off. Now it is time to announce to the world that I am running a MARATHON on April 28, 2007. Please tell everyone you know…as this is the third step of my training. As you remember in my first post ever I gave away all of my training secrets. Here they are if you need a refresher:

First Step:
Decide which event you are going to run/bike/swim in.
(Kentucky Derby Marathon – Louisville, Kentucky)

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.
(I still need to put the $$$ down…I will do that this week - I kind of promise!)

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.
(This is where you come in. I want you to make me accountable, please help and if I respect you…it may work!)

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.
(Umm…. I am still working on that…I started my training off with a 4 mile race yesterday. It wasn’t that bad… nor was it great)
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.
(I’m already starting)

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.
(I’m already exhausted from just trying to visualize visualizing the race)

That's where I am at on my training schedule so far. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Comments are always welcomed.