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DRUMROLL ATHLETES!!

This is it!!... On Saturday, 10 weeks worth of extremely hard work, that has taken the form of,..... exercising in freezing temperatures, slogging through rain, getting up early on Saturday mornings, diligence, sacrifices, compromises, personal, family, and work adjustments, dedication, and (out of your comfort zone) commitment....WILL FINALLY PAY OFF!!!!! The proverbial "light at the end of the tunnel" is now shining brightly, and the race horses are unbelievably fit, resting comfortably, and very ready to go!! I know it sounds like a broken record, but you TRULY have to to reflect on the amazing accomplishment that has just unfolded in your life! For most people, the race itself is really just a small part of a much larger picture. The larger picture is composed of all the exciting things that have happened to you throughout this process! Things like.... Weight loss, drop in pant size, clothes just fitting looser, feeling better about your appearance, helping your heart, eating more healthy, increased muscle tone & definition, newfound camaraderie through fellow athletes that have the same drive and commitment toward bettering themselves, learning so much about this running/walking phenomenon, learning so much about YOURSELF, or simply proving to yourself that you can commit to something, sticking with it, and seeing it to its end. The list could of course go on and on... For a minute, take the race out of this equation, and simply examine all of these wonderful benefits that you have enjoyed as a result of YOUR HARD WORK! The race is merely a means or catalyst to reaching your goals. On Saturday, you will cross that finish line, and be unbelievably elated, and overflowing with PRIDE! You will be emotional for many different reasons, but for most it will be because you PERSEVERED through all of the obstacles and adversity, with perhaps the biggest being SELF-DOUBT!

Here are some important pre-race things to keep in mind.....THIS WEEK: Not a bad idea to take in a bit more carbohydrates than usual. Think about it as stockpiling your fuel for race day..... It's also wise to drink a bit more fluids than usual this week, so that you're fully hydrated on race day. Remember, if your urine is clear, you are hydrated.....Don't maintain erratic sleeping habits. Just get the normal amount that works for you. Don't worry if the night before you get less due to excitement and anticipation. This is normal. Adrenalin plays a role, and you'll be fine. In fact, don't do ANYTHING DIFFERENT THAN YOU USUALLY DO. Don't try new foods; especially spicy foods. Other than some additional carbs, don't alter you diet! Pasta the night before is a great idea! In addition, don't take in or more, or less caffeine than usual. And DEFINITELY DON'T TRY ANYTHING NEW ON RACE RACE DAY!! The experimenting is over! Try to eat approx. 1.5-2.0 hours before your departure time... RACE DAY: The 3 things to NOT forget are: Your race bib (number), your shoes, and your CHIP! The 2 BIGGEST pieces of advice I can give you regarding race day is to #1) ARRIVE EARLY!!! Trust me on this one. The earlier you arrive, the less stress you'll have! Getting there 1-2 hours early is not too early! Arriving early helps with expecting the unexpected. You'll have a lot to deal with. Things such as.....traffic, parking, using the bathroom (use the Siegel Center or porta-johns), finding your wave, stretching/warming up, checking a bag (if you so choose), and much more! Make some time to be in a calm, peaceful environment before the race, just to relax and collect your thoughts. Try to be in your wave about 20 minutes before your departure time. #2) DON'T START OUT TOO FAST! You'll be excited and ready to go, but try to stick to your game plan. Going a little slower than you want at the beginning IS JUST FINE! This helps ensure having "gas in your tank" at the end! Starting out too fast is the most common mistake for ALL walkers and runners--even the pros! So, apply the breaks early (1st mile or 2), and you'll be glad you did at the end. Stay relaxed during the race, and NEVER SKIP A FLUID STATION! Staying hydrated is CRITICAL!!--Regardless of the temperature! Please refer to the brochure you received in the mail, and/or www.sportsbackers.org <http://www.sportsbackers.org> . for a lot of useful information.  DON'T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR CHIP!

There's a lot more I could pass on, but figuring it out on your own, is part of the fun...Things can get quite technical. Let's try and dumb it down, and really take in the event for its intended purpose.....TO HAVE FUN!  Enjoy yourself out there!  TAKE IT ALL IN!  If it's your first race, savor this experience.  You never have another first race!

Look for me at the halfway point, just after you make the turn to head back, at mile 3.  I will be standing there (on your left in the median) holding a big sign, obnoxiously cheering for all of the Training Team participants! :-)  High-five me! 

Many people are already looking beyond this race in terms of how to keep this wonderful fitness ball rolling.  This is actually a big deal! I will be conducting a final, WHAT NEXT? clinic at 2 locations, to help you figure out the next, best step.  I have a ton of information to pass along, and staying motivated is key, so please try to make it. We will also debrief, decompress, and share war stories about your race and your Training Team experience! The first clinic is Monday, April 7th at the Downtown YMCA, at 6:30.  The second is, Wednesday, April 9th at the Shady Grove YMCA, at 6:30. 

One final email from me next week... 

On never giving up--> "YOUR TOUGHNESS IS MADE UP OF EQUAL PARTS: PERSISTENCE AND EXPERIENCE. YOU DON'T SO MUCH OUTRUN YOUR OPPONENTS AS OUTLAST OR OUTSMART THEM, AND THE TOUGHEST OPPONENT OF ALL IS THE ONE INSIDE YOUR HEAD."~ Joe Henderson

More on never giving up-->"IT'S VERY HARD IN THE BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE WHOLE IDEA IS NOT TO BEAT THE OTHER RUNNERS. EVENTUALLY YOU LEARN THAT THE COMPETITION IS AGAINST THE LITTLE VOICE INSIDE YOU THAT WANTS YOU TO QUIT!"~ George Sheehan

Don't forget this--> "THE MIRACLE ISN'T THAT I FINISHED...THE MIRACLE IS THAT I HAD THE COURAGE TO START!" ~ Unknown

You'll soon be answering our mantra--> "WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME?"

I SINCERELY WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK! BE SMART AND HAVE FUN!

Gotta' run,

Danny (10ktrainingteamheadcoach@sportsbackers.org)