Half Marathon Jitters

^I have a very bad case of it.

It's exactly two weeks tomorrow that I'll be trembling with anxiety about the mean feat that lays ahead of me (i.e. 13.1 miles of all-round body torture, to put it lightly! Haha, kidding. I hope). A gruelling slog with more than 25,000 fellow runners to accompany me (looking on the bright side, it'll make a nice change from always running solo!).



In times like these it's essential that I stay calm and plan ahead. Ok, so I haven't been upping the distance of my training runs per say, but I have been doing as much speed/interval training - combined with some treadmill hill intervals - as possible. I'm ever hopeful that this will provide an adequate amount of shock value to my body, in order for it to complete those 13.1 miles in a time deemed suitable for my runners'-ego.

Besides the niggling issue that is training, there are other, more fun things that I need to address. First of which being prerace nutrition; and second of which is my favourite part: HALF MARATHON ULTRA-MOTIVATING SOUNDTRACK! (Because let's face it, I will need all the motivation I can get)

Needless to say, there's a fine line when it comes to pre-race nutrition. Such a fine line that I'd be scurred to pop so much as a walnut in my mouth (repercussion: potentially too much insoluble fat. Drat). What makes things worse is the fact that there's so many contradictory advice articles on the web - coffee vs no coffee? Porridge vs low-fibre substitute? Fruit vs sports drink?!? Too much opposing advice, I CAN'T TAKE IT ALL IN DAMNIT! (and, calm...).



A pretty legit-looking article on Runners World suggests that between 1.5-1.8g carbs per pound of body weight should be consumed prior to a half marathon. I don't know how much I weigh exactly, but if I took a stab in the dark at 115lbs then that basically means that I should aim for between 172g - 207g carbs. Yes, that's right. The equivalent of a whole day's worth of carbs, all to be consumed before 9am! (the race starts at 9.30am or 10am, depending on which wave I'm in).

I eat porridge ever single morning, so effectively my body is used to this and thus it should be able to manage to digest it, despite the fact that it's considered a fairly fibre-dense meal. Sticking to what you know is probably the best option in this case. My usual combination of oats, almond milk, raisins, cinnamon and honey comes to approximately 82g carbs (according to the myfitnesspal app. Did I mention that I literally am in love with my new iPhone?). In accordance to the Runnersworld guidelines, I should be splitting my carb intake 6:3:1 at specific intervals in the run up to the race. So for me, my macros are as follows:

60% (consumed 3-4hrs prerace) = 103g - 124g carbs
30% (consumed 90 mins - 2hrs prerace) = 52g - 62g carbs
10% (consumed 30-60mins prerace) = 17g - 21g carbs

Doing calculations like these make me feel like I definitely have my shit together (oh sweet mathematic trickery, distracting me from the larger matter of the issue at hand).

Anyway, based on this little bit o' research, I think the best option for me is to stick to my porridge meal, consumed alongside a glass of fresh juice (toying between the idea of carrot, apple and ginger, or a new concoction that I'll need to practice making before the big day!) - that would be meal no.1. Next would be another glass of juice (beetroot for a nitrite boost), perhaps combined with something a little more sustaining. Finally, 30-60 mins prior to the race I think the good ol' banana will do juuust fine. Can't go wrong with a banana.



You might've noticed the running theme of coffee pictures in this post. Besides the fact I really like to take pictures of coffee (or, y'know, empty cups of coffee), it does sort of fit into this blog post - I didn't choose to put them in willy-nilly, people! Y'see, I have coffee on the brain as I'm seriously weighing up the idea of coffee vs no coffee prerace. I had planned to do a coffee fast (i.e. not drinking it at all from 10 days before the race. I know right, this is serious stuff we're talking about here), and then reintroducing it prior to the half-marathon, as I've read that caffeine works better as a stimulant after a (LONG!ish) break. However, now I'm a teeny bit worried that perhaps caffeine is indeed not the answer (I can't tell you how much I hope this is not the case. I drink coffee as an excuse prior to exercise; it's my prerequisite, and it is most definitely necessary, guys).

I plan to drink a lot more than I do now in the week leading up to the half, so that my body is properly hydrated throughout the run (and especially so to counteract the diuretic effect of the coffee that I'll most likely be consuming, despite those silly pre-warnings), plus plenty of sleep. My body clock is adjusting to early morning starts because of work, and I've been really feeling the effects of going to bed past-midnight over the past week or so. Not good, not good at all!

Another post will have to be dedicated on the pressing issue that is my half marathon playlist; clearly, I got a case of verbal diarrhoea discussing my prerace diet, and this has tailed off to be something of a brain-explosion. And in relation to my jitters, well...it's barely touched the sides on nipping those in the bud. In fact, it's probably done the opposite.

Anyone else doing their first half soon? Any advice for a fellow noob? Anything is welcome. Just please don't tell me not to drink coffee, ok? Deal.



^Aha, me after coffee. Ok, so I'll stop with the coffee hype now...

#RunnersProblems

I find that running is the kind of exercise that just oh-so-inevitably succumbs to problems of every kind. I think every runner can resonate with me on this one (though whether others get as irritated as I do by such issues is another discussion. I guess I'm just a really grumpy runner). It's true - running can either bring out the best or the worst in me, though as a general rule of thumb I do tend to end every run on a high (granted, usually because it's finally over). Either way, here is my list of Top 10 Runners Problems!

#RunnersProblems

1: Ill-fitting earphones that JUST KEEP FALLING OUT of your ears (this is the first on the list for a bloody good reason)

2: Clothing that refuses to co-operate and that you have to keep tugging back in place. Cue too-short jackets with elasticated waistbands and wedgy-inducing leggings (I do not own a pair of the latter, but I can imagine they also feature highly on the top list of most annoying running clothing)

3: Putting your iPod on shuffle, only to have to skip every other song because shuffle just INSISTS that Adele is the most suitable person to listen to (no offence to Adele's music, but it's not exactly the type of get-up-and-go music that is required for a decent run)

4: Losing the sensation in your extremities, thus making it highly uncomfortable to run and just making you wish you were back in your central-heated house already. Damn you, circulation

5: This one goes out to all of those who prefer running in the countryside as opposed to the mean streetz - fearing for your life every time you have to cross a herd of cows/bulls and having to stop your run just to walk past them (they're less likely to attack if you're just casually perusing past and not breathing heavily or sweating profusely...right?)

6: Relates to Problem 4 - coming into a warm, cosy house after your run only to be greeted by a horrific tingling/burning sensation in your hands/feet, as a result of the extreme change of temperature. Again: I really hate you, circulation

7: TRUCK/VAN BEEPERS. Every. Single. Time. Whoever does this, please stop, because you truly suck

8: Forgetting to check the time before leaving, and not wearing a watch, thus having no knowledge on how well or how shit you've done...though sometimes I guess it's the best option to be none-the-wiser. Only applies to the uncommitted runner, because I'm sure every 'proper' runner owns a decent timer watch/the iPod Fuel band that I oh-so crave

9: Feeling completely fine in terms of your breathing/strength/general ability to run, except for the killer stomach ache/stitch/sicky feeling that made an appearance 5 minutes in. I often suffer with a poorly stomach during my runs, which just makes it physically impossible to continue :( Something to do with my bowels, I think (probably didn't need to mention that one...)

10: Having to stop and re-lace your trainers, because you're a right plank and didn't do them up properly in the first place. The double knot is vital!


So there you have it. Some silly yet massively annoying factors that can shatter any possibility of a decent run, a post inspired by my run yesterday, whereby I was inundated by problem after problem (many of which I've listed - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9, to be precise!). Do you have anything else you could add to my list of running woes? Get involved! It's fun to be an irrationally grumpy runner, honest ;).

(Reluctant) Sunday Runday

After having anticipated this occasion for the past week, today was finally the day where I braved the forces (being the icy, plummeting temperature levels) and test-ran my glorious Nike free runs!

It took a whole two hours for me to muster up the energy and motivation to actually remove my dressing-gown in place of my running gear. Two hours! Do you ever get those days when it just seems physically impossible to drag yourself out of the comfort of your own home?! Today was that day for me.

I think it was the heady combination of a) the ominous, grey blanketed skies, b) a seemingly long break from exercising/running, and c) the distractive nature of my new iMac! Nevertheless, I did eventually break out of the destructive path of Sunday laziness and ran a 4 mile route, which I guess is my 'comfort blanket' distance when it comes to running (which I must break out of!).

The trainers glided me along nicely - no irritative rubbing or pressure, good support, and well-cushioned, the Free Run 3 is a lightweight shoe that's definitely suitable for both running and gym use! Considering I've had my trusty Brooks for the good part of 6 years now, it's really been a long time coming to find a replacement!

Saying that though, I would love a pair of Asics to add to my collection. The Asics brand is synonymous with running, so for long-distance, cross-country and future potential races (I'm thinking a Half Marathon soon? Possible thought), they would be (what I'd consider) an essential purchase.

What brand(s) do you rely on when it comes to trainer shopping? Do you recommend any in particular? Let me know!

The Exercise Rut

For a couple of seemingly long weeks now, I've been in a major Exercise Rut - as you might've gathered by the obvious post title.

Autumn (or rather, WINTER - IT'S FREEZING!) has well and truly hit and has quite literally sent perm-shivers down my spine. I'm a chilly morsel at the best of times, with a poor circulation to match. What does this equate to? The Simpson's fingers scenario.

Whilst I deal with my lack of body heat, I must also contend with my lack of motivation to exercise, as prompted by these lack-lustre weather conditions (not that I should be complaining, considering the devestation that's being caused by the powerful force of Nature in other parts of the world - God bless all of those who've been affected by hurricane Sandy).

Despite my previous post advocating the power of exercising in colder and wetter weather, I haven't exercised outside in at least a week. Clocks have gone forward an hour, too, meaning that it's dark outside by 5pm! Another reason why it feels as if I'm nearing the fateful 'hibernation' period.

However! Motivation must be restored somehow, and - luckily for me - this comes in the form of some seriously cool and sexy new shoes.



Yep, I'm the proud new owner of these Nike Free Run 3 trainers, courtesy of my excellent present-finder of a brother! I'm jealous of my own feet when I'm wearing these babies (I just cringed at that statement, like everyone else who might also be reading this post).

I've been meaning to test drive them for the past few days (outside of my own home), and I'm hoping tomorrow will kindly allow me a clear outlook weather-wise; I don't think I can quite bare the thought of potentially getting these even slightly dirty or wet.

So here's to happy running feet! Got any new gear to perk up the idea of running/exercising this Autumn/Winter? Share with me!