Friday, January 24, 2014

Redemption & Race Plan

Fall of 2013 was rough (running-wise) for me. My injured foot meant no attempt at my first full marathon. It ended up being a blessing in disguise because the route was mostly ugly urban road and the day was hot. I ran that half heavily medicated, dehydrated (from medication), and sleep-deprived after deciding the night before to run it afterall.
My last-minute decision to run that half was met with opposition.
Since then, I've been dedicated (my word of the year!) to running long on weekends, cross-training, and being honest with myself.

This weekend is my chance at redemption. The half I've been training for is Sunday. Despite heavy legs, work-induced stress, and loneliness (Matt is in Las Vegas at a double bachelor party...what a butthead), I'm excited and ready for this race. It may not be my fastest half, but it's going to bring me some redemption from the last one.
Bring it on.
I plan to walk only while fueling.

I plan to study the course map so I know when to expect water and when to eat.

I plan to see my parents at mile 8 and the finish line.
Aid station/water stop literally directly across the street from my parents' house!
(Mile 9 is usually my weak point, so I think this will be a great pick-me-up!)

I plan to finish under 2:30. (A goal - 2:15, B goal - 2:25, C goal - 2:35. There are pace teams at the race, so I plan to stick close to the 2:15 pacer.)

I plan to celebrate my first race with Brittany - her first race post-baby - and enjoy every moment of the event.

I plan to actually see what I'm made of when I train alone and don't have illness or injury to contend with.
Time to see if all this training has paid off!
I'm antsy, excited, and ready for this race! I haven't felt this confident for a long-distance race since November 2012...It's time to make this one count!

What are your weekend plans?

ABK

20 comments:

  1. Fingers crossed for you....kill it girl!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can't wait to hear your race report. Whatever happens, I'm sure it will be an experience to remember!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Go out there and kill it tomorrow!! You got this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good luck!! I can't wait to read all about it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kick some butt tomorrow! Can't wait to read all about it :) I love seeing family during races. It really motivates me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was seriously so moving to have them there!

      Delete
  6. Good luck! I hope you accomplish your goal! My 1/2 is next week!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope you have a fabulous race Ali!!!!! I think training alone makes you so much stronger!!!! You have to rely only on yourself. I can not wait to hear about it!!! Lots of love!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I so want to hear all about your half!!! Also, I totally enjoy reading your blog posts and have nominated you for the Liebster award! If you are interested, you can head on over to my page to check it out. Keep up the inspiration and motivation!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's awesome! I hope you made your A goal for the half! Rooting for you and your redemption!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I made my B goal, which makes me SUPER happy!

      Delete