Monday, October 1, 2012

Lets light the fires and kick the tires!

It's that week.  Whatever my performance will be, it's locked in.  This week i will not get stronger.  Or weaker.  I won't gain any (actual) weight, or lose any.  I won't get faster.  (but I may get slower.)  The weather is not likely going to radically change. All i can do is wait.  And NAP.  

All i want to do is sleep.  I know that scientifically, you can't "bank sleep", but i'll be damned if i'm not going to try my hardest.  

I still haven't finalized my outfit yet.  The hang up is what shirt to wear.  I am not used to planning for 50 degree weather...should i wear long sleeves?  Arm warmers?  Ugh, first world problems.  I am both nervous, and serenely calm at the same time.  My current emotions can best be interpreted by this picture:
The best way to eat 200 hot dogs is also the best way to run a marathon: One at a time.
I don't know why, but this picture sums up taper week for me.  I am that fat cat, looking at an enormous challenge ahead of him (his is what must be at least 200 hot dogs, mine is a mere 26 miles)  But we both want it really, really bad.  This cat is my mantra for the race, and i will think of him when things get hard.  I even printed this photo and hung it by my desk.  I freaking love you, cat staring at 200 hot dogs.  I love you.  

What are you wearing on race day?  Does this cat make you as happy as it makes me? Did you get a chance to nap this weekend?

20 comments:

  1. That cat DOES make me happy! Data wants to be that cat. But he wants the hot dogs replaced with salmon. Eww.

    You know, I read an article last year that naps do help athletic performance! I made sure to take a long one the day before my 50K (as well as try to get enough sleep each night ;)).

    50s? Tank for sure! Just have something to throwaway.

    Can't wait to hear about the race! :)

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  2. Over my shorts and t-shirt, I am going to wear some old sweatpants, sweatshirt and a ski hat to the race. Just before the gun sounds, I will toss my sweatpants, and wear just shorts. It will be a game day decision where and when I toss off my old sweatshirt and ski hat. I was thinking about arm warmers, but since I have never worn them, I don't think I will start now. Yes, that cat rocks! Maybe he is waiting for some mustard and celery salt before he starts eating? No naps, but maybe I should have taken one or two...

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  3. I DID nap this weekend....had to after having a couple of drinks the night before...ahhh, thank goodness for a nap!

    The hotdogs kind of make me sick (just b/c I over ate over the weekend and its reminding me of that) ha!

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  4. What about throwaway clothes? You can channel your inner Skinny Runner. :)

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    1. That skinny runner, living in the lap of luxury! I think it would kill me throw away any clothing - hence, you can expect to see me wrapped in a garbage bag... :)

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  5. Just an idea... as disposable arm warmers, you could get some cheap tall socks from target and cut the bottoms off. If you get sick of them and dispose, no big deal. BEST OF LUCK!!! I'll be out there cheering for all of you! I'll be at mile 17 until Maggie comes by! :)

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    1. :( I think i might miss you then! Maggie's corral starts 30 minutes before mine! Unless i get superfast....(spoiler: i will not get super fast) I love the sock arm warmer idea!!

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    2. Yes, great idea! I may look for a pair of old socks to use.

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    3. This is what I've been doing with my old soccer socks. I knew there was a reason I hung onto those for 12 years.

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  6. I am conflicted as well! I know what bottoms I am wearing but have yet to decide on a top. I am generally cold and I know I will be walking during the race, so I am tempted to wear something a bit warmer otherwise I know I will be cold. I also have to see what my Team PAWS tank will fit over. FWP!

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  7. Can you pick up something at a resale shop? Doesn't everything left on the ground get gathered, washed and go to homeless people?

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  8. 50's? Short sleeves all the way. If it's 40's maybe long sleeves or arm warmers. I have two weeks yet but I'm working on gaining about 275 lbs so I can be 400 by the time I start. Carboloading at its best.

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  9. Fifty degrees is still relatively warm. I got rid of arm sleeves at mile 4 at Fort2Base, but was also going a lot faster than marathon pace.

    I also love this kitty photo.

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  10. So conflicted...50 is the HIGH. Start in the 30s. May have to ditch the skirt for capris and bust out the arm sleeves.

    Napping is so good. And eating. I hope i see you! What corral are you in?

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  11. I am wearing a skirt, and tank...but bought arm sleeves tonight to take the chill off. Once the sun hits, and seeings I don't start technically until 8 am with my slow corral I think I will do ok!

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  12. My plan: shorts, ACS singlet, compression calf sleeves, "arm sleeves" (soccer socks with the feet cut off) that I don't mind ditching if I need to. I'm also planning to wear some stretchy gloves and a fleece headband that I won't mind ditching once I warm up (or giving to Robert if I hold onto them until I see him).

    Before the race, I'm planning to wear an old long sleeve cotton race shirt (or go to Goodwill for a sweatshirt) and track pants that I don't mind ditching at the start.

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  13. I wish I could help you with your outfit- I love picking out race day outfits. I would probably start out with arm warmers, tank and shorts with compression sleeves. :-)

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  14. The 30 something degree start will be the biggest issue. You won't be cold once you are running but the parking your car and getting into position in your corral will be the biggest challenge. I like arm sleeves a lot but am not good about carrying things once I don't need them anymore. So maybe the cut-off sock/sleeves would be a good option? I would be too hot in longsleeves for the entire race, but that's me. I like it nice and crisp when I run. I wear long sleeve at 40 degrees and no sleeves at 50 (unless its raining).

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  15. I'm undecided on my clothes too. But I think I may wear a tank top (with arm warmers). Now I don't know if I should wear shorts or capris. Less chafing with capris...hm...

    Chafing #FirstWorldProblems

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  16. That is the best thing ever. That cat makes me so happy haha. And naps make me so strange. I get so groggy for hours so I try to avoid them!

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