It’s Time to Rock and Roll!

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!”