Thursday 31 October 2013

Update: Three days to 10k!

Okay, NOW I'm scared. While it seemed like aaages ago back in September, the Regents Park Winter Series November 10k is now only three days away!

Having said that, I know I've prepared (although haven't actually run 10k in training but hey) and my fitness is light years beyond what it used to be. It's been a slow slog and my times aren't exactly inspirational but I'm happy with where I'm at so far.

So I may be mildly terrified of what awaits on Sunday, but I just have to remind myself that I should be proud of my progress so far. If someone had told me I'd be doing this at the start of 2013 I would have laughed in their face!

(credit)

I've done a few runs this week and am planning my last one for tomorrow - I figured it would be a good idea to have a rest day before the race, although if anyone has any wisdom on this matter I'd be very grateful!

I've not really changed my diet or anything like that in preparation for Sunday and I'm not planning on trying anything new out on the day. I'll have my usual breakfast (either porridge or bagel with peanut butter and a cuppa) and then a banana about 20 minutes before the start. It's not exactly high-tech stuff and I know there are all sorts of gels, tablets, liquids and what have you out there but they can wait for another day!

It's like they say: If it ain't broke, don't replace it with a high-tech alternative

I'm going to a Halloween party the night before and am determined to be strict with myself - no drinking! While I am the last person ever to turn down a drink, I think the thought of a 10k attempt with a hangover (bleugghh) should strengthen my resolve. And no staying up til the early hours for me...home and bed at a sensible time! Next thing you know I'll have my knitting out and electric blanket on...

I really have no idea what to expect when I arrive at Regent's Park but the one thing I learnt from the Race For Life is that I should definitely wear my glasses on the way there and then take them off for the race. My eyesight is terrible and I'm not able to wear contacts, so I normally just chance it without them when I run. However, for the Race For Life I had forgotten that I actually needed to find my way to the start of the race first and ended up having to ask all sorts of passers-by. Luckily it was easy enough to follow the pink-clad masses once I got close, but it's just a bit of extra added stress that's totally unnecessary on the day.

Looks like these babies are going to have to come with me

Looking at previous results for the course and doing my best at a little maths, it looks like I'll probably be one of the last to finish but at least that means there won't be too many people around to laugh at just how red my face goes when I run!

I've done the training (well, done my best) and I know I can do it...now the proof is in the pudding!

Wish me luck!

Harris x

Any words of advice?

4 comments:

  1. I have issues with glasses too. I've been told to only wear contacts five days of the week so have just started practising wearing glasses for runs twice a week. I much prefer running in contacts, but not sure I'd be able to cope completely blind and would no doubt end up tripping over my feet, the ground and other people!
    Enjoy your rest day and then have a fantastic race day! The atmosphere of race day is always the best feeling. Good luck!

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    1. Yeah, I'm really not sure what to do about the old vision problem - I think my glasses would bounce around and fall off if I wore them while running but I have had a couple of slightly hairy moments crossing roads and things because my vision isn't fantastic...! I might have to do some experimenting and see what works best.

      xxx

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  2. HUGE GOOD LUCK! You are going to do great, and all your training will pay off! In terms of resting - yes, always best to rest your legs the day before the race. It will mean your legs are nice and 'fresh' - rather than have any niggles, aches or pains. As hard as it can be to sit still, I always try and stay home the night before a race with my legs up and eat a good meal.

    For your race day fuelling - anything under 1hour to 1hour and a half shouldn't require gels or shotblocks or anything like that. I would stick with your tried and tested breakfast and know that you have fuelled yourself well. At a lot of races there are companies giving out freebies and products - DON'T be tempted, just take the sample and stash it in your bag for afterwards. Remember the golden rule - nothing new on race day!

    All the very best, and most of all - HAVE FUN!! :)

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    1. Aww thank you so much Leah :) I've had a read of some of your stuff about your 10ks for motivation!

      I can't bring myself to miss out on the party the night before, promise I'll be good and home before I turn into a pumpkin!

      Thanks for the advice :)

      xxx

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