Things I got right:
- I dressed in layers. I didn't know what the temperature would be at start time, but I knew it was going to be right on the cusp of long-sleeve temperature and no-sleeve temperature for me. I wore both and was able to make the decision at start time.
- I got a little caffeine buzz. I finished my double-dose of green tea about thirty minutes before the race started, and I felt it gave me just the right amount of jolt by start time.
- I got some good sleep the night before. The night before the race, Jeff and I went out for dinner with some friends, picked up some soy ice kream on the way home, and watched that week's episode of Vampire Diaries off the DVR. I got to sleep by about 10 and woke up at 6. I felt well-rested and ready to go.
- I picked someone who was running slightly faster than I thought I could, and I kept up with him. I needed something to keep me at the pace at which I found myself (see the third bullet point below), so I picked a dude who was keeping a pace faster than I had ever run before, but a pace that I thought I could handle. It kept me going when I wanted to slow down. There's definitely a competitive urge in my heart!
Things I did not get right:
- I ate beforehand, even though I usually don't. Ouch! I woke up about 2 hours before start time, so I thought maybe I should get something in my belly. I ate some raw oats mixed with peanut butter and raisins, which is one of my favorite breakfasts. Wow, it hurt later! I'm not used to eating before running, and I could definitely feel it. Next time, I'll wake up earlier or try eating something with less protein and fat.
- I didn't drink enough water the day before. I tried to drink a lot of water on race day, but I don't feel like I was fully hydrated from the day before. I need to drink more water. All the time. Everyday.
- I got all excited and tried to pass everyone in the first mile. When the gun went off, I realized that I was surrounded by grannies and people with strollers. Ack! I spent the first half-mile dodging the slowpokes and finding an open spot, but, when I found one, I didn't want to stay there! Passing people is addictive, and it was the first time I had really experienced it! I wanted to pass more people. Before I knew it, I was running at a much faster pace than I planned on being at, and it hurt to maintain it. Worst part? I had nothing left to give at the end, so I couldn't kick it into a higher gear for the last half-mile, which I had planned on doing. Bummer.
Anyway, now I know! My next race isn't until May 22nd, but I'm super-excited about it. It's called the Warrior Dash, and it's a 3.22-mile course with 11 obstacles.
Click here to see the course and obstacle map for the Georgia course.
It's not a very serious race--it involves warrior helmets, silly constumes, a moustache contest, and free beer at the end--but it's going to be awesome! I'm doing it with my little brother Ian, some of his fraternity brothers, a couple friends from law school, and a ton of friends from my old corporate job. I'M GOING TO BE A WARRIOR!
Alright. Back to work. I'm in the midst of a 30-page research paper on the idiocy of the Supreme Court under Chief Justices Waite's and Fuller's watches.
What races do y'all have coming up?
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That warrior dash sounds awesome! Makes me wish I lived in georgia lol I have my first 5K this sunday and I'm going to use allll your tips so thanks (:
ReplyDeleteI was debating on whether or not to eat beforehand and now I think I maybe won't? Hmm I'm not sure yet, but thanks for all the great info!
Re: the food, you should eat something the size of your fist for breakfast if you're racing within two hours of race time and your stomach is sensitive. This is the most I can ever eat before a race (on on the bike leg of a triathlon).
ReplyDeleteGreat race report. I'm looking forward to my first Olympic-distance triathlon on May the 2nd. It's called Joey Hannon and it's in Limerick. I'm not tapering for it because it's all part of my training for...
*dramatic pause*
Ironman 70.3 St Pölten! :) I'm nervous about this race, but I'm sure I can do it. A friend and I did some major hills on the bike this weekend and wasn't even sore the next day so I think everything is going to work out just fine!
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Alycia, good luck on your first 5K! That's awesome! There's no feeling comparable to finishing your first race--it's amazing! You're going to do great!
ReplyDeleteK, thanks for advice about food--I think I just need to find something that sits in my stomach better. I'll start experimenting now, and not on my next race day!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that's so exciting about your Olympic-distance triathalon and your Ironman! I'm so impressed! I bet it's going to go by in a breeze--adrenaline works wonders! Good luck! :-)
Also, I raised the saddle on my bike like you recommended--SO MUCH EASIER to ride now! Thanks!
Hey,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll be doing similar distances by next year if that's what you want to do. It's really addictive...runners should have warning labels sewn into them! :) Glad the bike adjustment helped. I just got mine re-fitted and even the little tweaks made such a huge difference. If I end up going to UGA Law, we'll have to meet somewhere in the middle for a spin some day!