Race Prep

This weekend I will be running the Twin Lights Half Marathon in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Last year when I ran this race I managed a PR and have not touched that PR since.

My goal this weekend is to of course set a new PR. I do have some aches and pains like every other runner. My training has been fairly consistent at three runs per week but only 25 miles each week.

I feel pretty good and set a PR at the April Fool’s 4 Miler. The pace for a Half Marathon is a lot slower than it was for that 4 Miler. If I can keep my piriformis from shredding like a truck tire going down the highway I should be okay.

Old Lessons

As I’ve mentioned previously, never try anything new on race day. At the Derry 16 Miler I tried donuts as a pre-race fuel and I will never do that again. Not only did they make me feel like crap after the race but I tried something new on race day! Someone told me not to do that.

Pre-Race Testing

For my Sunday long run (12.5 miles) I tried some Two Toms Sport Shield. This is an anti-friction product that can be used anywhere on the body. I used it on my chest as I tend to chafe REALLY bad after 10K or so. I wore a tech shirt that clings and I didn’t have any problems at all.

I’m tired of Band-Aids, medical tape and bleeding. I tested this product on a long run and it worked, so I’m feeling confident that it will work for me next weekend also. It’s pre-race tested so I know what to expect. I have heard other people rave about the benefits of this type of product also.

At several races I have used Fig Bars as my pre-race meal. I eat a brand called “Daddy Rays” which are made in Moscow Mills Missouri. I prefer them over Nabisco’s Fig Newton’s. Daddy Rays are more substantial and cost less.

I purchased a 10 ounce pack this weekend and will eat about half of that before the race and try to take some with me. I often get hungry during a long race and these will help keep me fueled and full.

Each bar is 20g/.71 oz. and has 70 calories, 15g of carbs – 10g of which are sugar, less than 1g of protein and 1g of fat. The ingredient list would make a mad scientist grin, but they seem to work for me.

The fig bars are race tested and I know they work for me. Daddy Rays isn’t available in every grocery store so I often do not have them on race day.

As I’ve mentioned before, your food is something that you can control. Buy what you need/want as far ahead of time as possible. You cannot count on stopping somewhere on your way to the race to get what you want. A few weeks ago I got a flat on the way to a race and missed my entire pre-race breakfast. Fortunately I had back-up food in my bag and things worked out. All ways have a little something to eat and drink in your bag just in case.

Have a great week.

© anagelin 2013