5 Things I Do Before A Race

It is Race day! You sign up months prior to this day...Or maybe you just decided on a whim that you wanted to do this race. The time has come and now you are crossing the days off the calender and counting down to your race. There are ways to be sure that your body and mind are ready. This may be different for every runner. Toady I share with you how I prepare for my races.

1- Stay Hydrated: I typically drink a lot of water without needing any push to do so. The week of a race it is important to be sure you have a sufficient water intake. Water helps to maintain fluid balance, keep you hydrated and aid in muscle recovery. Water acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints; as a runner this is vital. Here's another fun fact for you: Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you focus, think and concentrate better and be more alert. Because of this your energy levels are also boosted!

2- Food For Fuel: The week before a race I am more careful than usual in what I choose to put in my body. I also try to increase my carbohydrates. It is not just the night before pasta dinner that fuels your run but the carbs you load your body with in the week to days prior to your long run. You need to build your carb supply to store for energy.  As noted by RunnersConnect : "The greater the amount of stored muscle glycogen, the greater the endurance potential of the body."

3- Staying Sober: You might think this one is obvious but I have known other runners who like to have a few beers on the weekend. Okay, so truth be told is that I like to have a few drinks on the weekend. I tend to stay clear of alcohol all week and when the weekend comes around I enjoy a drink or five two. The night before a big race I stay sober. I may allow myself one drink yet I limit what goes in my body. Let's go back to hydration shall we. Alcohol, as we all know, does the opposite of hydrate us. When I run in a race I want to have a clear head, feel strong, and be able to focus on what my goal is for that day. As much as I like a good buzz, I also love a new PR.

4- Shower: Some may think this is silly since you are going to be sweating and need to shower afterwards. Showering after a race is also good for your body and muscles to aid in recovery. Some even like an ice bath. (Me, I would rather have the hot water on me!) When I get up on a race morning it is typically early. I take this time to wake up and have some quiet time. First things first, I need to wake up. I want to feel revitalized and ready for my run. I start the coffee, jump in the shower and then I can have breakfast.

5- Breakfast: Now we are at the most important part: Fueling your body before a race. Breakfast is important to give me the necessary energy I need to start my race. I never go on a run before having breakfast or a snack. I might have granola and fruit, oatmeal, or eggs and wheat toast. Along with it I drink my protein mixed with coconut milk. Remember, you want to give your body nutrients that will fuel you. You want your body to be primed and ready for the challenge ahead of you. Eat one to three hours before your race and be sure to fuel during your long run.

There you have it my friends, this is how  I prepare for my races. Don't forget to stretch before and after you run!!

Just two more things I want to add:

"Always Believe You Can"
              And
     Happy Running


Do you have a routine before you races? Is there something that you always eat? 


Related Posts:

Stronger With Every Mile

How I Learned To Love My Body 

Better Sleep Month: Creating and Keeping a Routine

May is better sleep month. Sleep...I am not sure what that is so don't ask me. I have not had a good night of sleep in over four years. These days it looks like sleep is not going to come for another sixteen at this point. That is if I get the youngest out by eighteen and quite frankly the way he is attached to me, it might be thirty at this point.

Despite my lack of sleep I do try to ensure that my children get a good nights sleep. It has not always been easy. Both of my children are not good sleepers. My four year old, Chase, started boycotting sleep the day I brought him home. The first two weeks of his life he decided that my chest was the best place to sleep. As he got older things did get easier. We still seemed to battle a few bedtime issues and it was apparent that routine and comfort were a vital part of getting him to sleep.

From the very beginning I would rub Chase's  back at bedtime. I distinctly remember him being around two months old when I started this. He would be laying in his co sleeper and I would rub his back. (He was one of those kids that despite what experts say about not letting babies sleep on their belly's, the only way he would sleep was on his belly!) I did this EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. As Chase began to talk and transition into a crib then toddler bed, he would request this. Now, at Four years old, we are still rubbing his back each night.

We also have the infamous blanket I recently wrote about in my post His Magic Blanket. This blanket has to be with him each night. We absolutely cannot not lose this blanket as it has been with him since he was born. If I peak in on him at night I may find it clasped in his hand, tucked close to his neck, and even have found it draped over his head.

When I first transitioned Chase to a room of his own I invested in a sound machine. We don't use anything fancy but it does the trick. The model we use is the Dex Sound Machine that we purchased on Amazon. I read several reviews before I purchased it. I was looking for a variety of sounds while not breaking my bank. There are several machines out there on the market to choose from. I love the selection of sounds to on this particular one. I have to admit though that we rarely change it and it stays on Ocean setting. I can even hear it from my room and have gotten accustomed to hearing it.

We always turn on a night light. When the sound machine gets turned on so does the light. Chase does not like the complete darkness. A trait he no undoubtedly received from me. I keep a nightlight on in our room as well. The light brings him comfort and if he does get out of bed he at least can see his surroundings and safely move around.

A couple months back we knew it was time to make the transition from toddler bed to "Big Boy" bed for Chase. We wanted Chase to have a part in picking his bed and be excited about his new sleeping space. It was decided that we would get bunk beds since some day Wesley will share a room with his brother. Chase was thrilled about this idea! I started looking at local furniture stores and then online. The search was feeling overwhelming for me. I wanted a nice bed for the boys yet I was faced with not wanting to spend a ridiculous amount of money.

There is a big variety of beds and what seems like an endless amount of places that sell them. The one site I really liked was Wayfair.com. Not only was there a great selection of children's beds but the prices we reasonable and I was able to read reviews before making a purchase. If you are looking for a bunk bed or loft bed they have something for everyone. We found the bed we wanted and Chase was thrilled. He was excited that first night to walk up the ladder of his new bed and sleep on that top bunk. His face lit up and he was giddy. Some nights he even sleeps on the bottom. The kid likes sleeping with his cat who you will find always on the bottom bunk curled up. Having him be excited about where he sleeps has helped to not only make bedtime routines easier, it also has made him stay in bed more and not and come to my room as frequently.

Children are creatures of habit. Creating an environment where your child feels safe, secure, and comforted creates better sleep. Every child is different and each situation is unique. What may work for one may not work for the next. We made the choice to co sleep with our youngest. We are in the process of training him to sleep in the toddler bed and this has not been easy. Wesley does not have a special blanket nor does rubbing his back work. He would rather be as close to me as possible and apparently I am not allowed to get out of bed without him sitting up and screaming.We will figure it out just as he will. Someday I will be standing in their doorway yelling at them to get up for school rather than pleading with them to get to sleep. Until then, please pour me another cup of coffee.


Do you have a special routine that you do with your children at bedtime?


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Camo Season is Here

It's that time of year again. And I am not talking about Christmas. It is hunting season. As a woman who lives in Vermont I am so lucky (insert sarcasm) to have a partner who is a hunter! Even better is that he goes away the first week of November each year leaving me, and now two children, home alone. (Sarcasm people!)

Here's the thing, I am pretty good on my own. I don't get all weepy that he is gone. I have always been independent. Don't get me wrong, I will miss him like crazy and will be excited to see him when he finally walks in the door a week later. There are pro's and con's to parenting alone for the week. Let's talk about some.

Con's:

*It was heartbreaking watching Chase break down earlier when I reminded him daddy wasn't coming home tonight.

*The hardest part for me is I can't keep up with my routine of running. I realize that may sound selfish but hey, it's the truth. As I have mentioned before, mommy is a much happier person on the days I can run. So if mama doesn't get to run, mama may indeed lose her shit! Thankfully my folks only live 20 minutes away so I will be taking my boys there to at least get in a run or two. Not my normal 4 days a week but it will do.

*My mind tends to wander. I am left with thoughts of people breaking in. Jules, my big dog, is normally kenneled at night. When Jay is gone she is out. If she is lucky I let her sleep at the foot of the bed. At least I know if anyone comes in she will hopefully protect us.

*Schedules. These too change. This is almost a pro & a con. I have to do my best to let certain things go. I am repeatedly asking for patience. Picking and choosing what battles I want to conquer. Being the only parent in the house sometimes it is easier just to simply say "Fuck it". Like now, both boys are in bed with me. I just didn't have the energy to try and battle Chase to go to bed in his own room. I am exhausted. This is just easier.

Pro's:

*I only have to pick up after two boys, not three. Seriously that guy leaves just as many crumbs on the couch as our kids do. (Sorry honey, love you! But really, it drives me nuts!) If you know me I hate crumbs! Dirt! And all that darn animal hair. A little less mess is nice.

*I really don't mind sharing the bed with both the boys. I love looking over and seeing them both close to me. It's even better when they snuggle together or are playful with one another first thing in the morning. Those moments are priceless. The best part of my day is in the morning when they share hugs, kisses, and laughter in bed. (Once we get out of bed it all goes down hill).

*I have more time for Blogging, writing, reading, or Facebook. Typically I try to spend less time in front of my computer when we are all together, yet right now I am able to sit in bed with my laptop writing to you lovely people! Guilt free!

I really can't and won't bitch about him hunting. It doesn't bother me. I grew up in a family that hunts. I am happy he gets away for this week and he does this trip with his brother. It is not just about the hunting, it is about tradition. Someday the boys will be a part of this trip.

I will not complain about this week. I will be thankful for this time with the boys. I hear them breathing next to me and my heart is happy.