Are We Ready to Rock and Roll?
I say this way too often, but damn! Time flies. When I first decided, back in January, to sign up to run my first marathon in over eight years, this date seemed so far away. Yet now, in two more days, I’ll be standing at the start line of my 36th marathon, Rock and Roll San Diego. I am excited, scared, anxious, and uncertain, basically feeling what every first time marathoner feels, can I do this?
Actually, I am quite sure that I can do it, but I would like to finish strong and with dignity (unlike the time in the San Diego Marathon (now Carlsbad Marathon) when my finish line photo showed me holding my hand over my mouth, trying not to throw up!). I’ve set a goal of 4:15, which I’m not sure that I can accomplish, but I’m certainly going to try. To that end, Pacebands was kind enough to send me one of their 4:15 wristbands to use during my race. I’ll have a giveaway coming up next week, so stay tuned. I know that my Paceband will be a great tool to keep me on target for my goal time.
Getting to the Start Line
While Pacebands will help to get me to the finish line, I’ve also had a lot of help along the way getting to the start line. A lot of things have to happen during marathon training in order to stay healthy, strong, and uninjured. In addition to following a four month training plan, which includes building your endurance and stamina, you need to taper properly, and have a plan for race day.
Then there are the small things that help you through training. Those little things that motivate you, nourish you, restore you.
A Great Training Partner
The best thing of all was that Alan decided to run (and therefore train) for the marathon too. His last full marathon was done as part of Ironman Arizona a few years ago, so it’s been a while for him too. While not all of our training days aligned, we did our long runs together most of the time, which was awesome. We plan to run the race together, something we do for the “important” races: my first marathon in 1996, and both times we ran the Paris Marathon. Some things are meant to be enjoyed as a couple.
A Nutritional Boost
I was very fortunate that I was able to partner with Fit Approach and Vega Sport, who gave me the opportunity to try out the Vega Sport Recovery Accelerator. As I mentioned in my review, it is the first all natural, plant based recovery drink mix designed to address all six key elements of post-workout recovery, including muscle glycogen replenishment, muscle tissue repair and protein synthesis, hormonal support, soft tissue repair, immune system support, inflammation reduction and rehydration. It has been a wonderful addition to my recovery plan. If you feel that you may not be achieving to your potential, check out the Fuel Your Better website.
Great Shoes
While I tend to wear a variety of shoe styles and brands during training depending on the type of workout, Mizuno Wave Riders have been my go-to shoe for everyday base training and long runs for a while now. I took a leap a couple years ago in my never ending search for the perfect shoe. I came pretty close, and I’ll be running Rock and Roll in a bright and shiny new pair of Wave Riders.
A Cute Functional Outfit
I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this skirt from RunningSkirts.com. It’s on it’s way, but I hope I didn’t order too late because it will go perfectly with the top I’m going to wear, which I bought at Lorna Jane. It’s not really a running top, but it fits so well, no chafing, and it’s so pretty that I plan to wear it for the race. If by chance the skirt doesn’t arrive, I have a white one that I bought last year for the Costume Party Run (from which I’ve removed the Dalmatian spots), which will work just fine.
The Rock and Roll Marathon starts at 6:15 Pacific Time on Sunday. If you’d like to track my progress, my race number is 56310. We’ll be at the expo around 10:00 on Saturday morning if anyone wants to meet up. We don’t have a shake out run planned (though if you’re looking for one you can join Meb, Pavement Runner, or Stuft Mama), just packet pickup, a little shopping (which should serve to shake out those legs a little bit), then lunch with the family. Then hopefully a nice relaxing afternoon, an early bedtime, and some good sleep. Ooh, and dinner here!
Anybody doing the Rock and Roll Marathon or Half Marathon? Or shopping at the expo? I’d love to “tweet up!”
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I can’t believe it’s finally here!!! Best of luck to you. I’ll be cheering from Georgia!
Debbie Woodruff
Thanks! It sure did come fast!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
You are going to do so great Debbie!!! I’m so excited for you and this weekend. I’ll be cheering for you!
Debbie Woodruff
Thanks! I will be able to feel the good vibes all the way from NY!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
36th?? that’s incredible! I love the idea of that pace band. I will definitely look into that for when I schedule a long race. Goooood luck!
Debbie Woodruff
Thank you! I forgot to mention that they have Pacebands for half marathons too.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
I’m so excited for you Debbie! I’ll be thinking of you on Sunday morning and sending positive running vibes your way.
Debbie Woodruff
Thanks Angela! I know I’ll feel all the good vibes coming across the country! I think I have the whole eastern seaboard sewn up so far ๐
Kierston
Yeee! Have a blast and enjoy!
Debbie Woodruff
Thanks Kierston!
Pam
Have a great race and enjoy every moment Debbie. I will be virtually cheering you on from NC! Maybe we will be lining up in Hopkinton for the Boston Marathon together next April!
Debbie Woodruff
Thank you! I don’t think I’ll qualify for Boston this time around. I need to run 4:10, which I don’t think I’m ready for.
Jesica @rUnladylike
Good luck this weekend Debbie! You will do great. What an awesome journey you have been on. 36 marathons = wow!!! One of the girls I am coaching is running the race this weekend as her first marathon ever. I love your tips and I actually just started using Vega recovery and am really liking it so far. Have a wonderful race, and I look forward to reading your race recap about how you exceeded your goal ๐ xo
Debbie Woodruff
Thanks Jesica. It seems so long since I ran my first (and it was almost 18 years ago!). I hope your girl has a great race!
carrie@familyfitnessfood.com
Good luck!!! I know you’re going to finish strong. Love the outfit!
I love that picture of you at the St. George Marathon – you look unstoppable.
I’ll be cheering for you!!! You’ve got this!!!
Debbie Woodruff
It’s a lot easier to be unstoppable when you’re 41 :-).
Thanks Carrie!
Maureen
I can’t believe it’s here! Can’t wait to follow along & see how well you do! ๐
Debbie @ Deb Runs
Good luck, Debbie; run strong and have fun! Can’t wait to read your recap!
Jody - Fit at 56
Good luck Debbie!!!!!!! You have prepared so all is good & no matter what – you rock! ๐
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
Have a wonderful race.
Carla
Good luck! It sounds like you have everything under control. I hope your skirt comes in. ๐