Happy birthday to my wonderful husband!
If you’re wondering how old Danny is today, he’s 34. Happy 34th birthday, Danny!
Tomorrow is the Biggest Loser 15k race. It will be my longest race. I ran a 10k a couple of years ago, but I mainly stick to 5ks. I am not a great long distance runner, but I really looking forward to accomplishing a 9.3 mile run.
Packing For A Race
Danny and I are headed to Rockford later this afternoon for the Biggest Loser Walk/Run Expo and to spend the night. Jeff Nichols and Francelina Morillo from Season 14 will there and so will Dan and Jackie Evans from Season 5.
Here are some of the things that I’m bring for the race.
My clothes – sports bra, Zensah calf sleeves, fitted shorts, mesh Under Armour tank.
It’ supposed to be about 60 degrees on race day morning, but since I heat up really fast, I am hoping the mesh tank will keep me cool, but not too cold.
I have only run in these shorts twice, but I like them because they have a zippered pocket on the back where I can put my Honey Stinger chews.
Not pictured is my socks – I usually run in Gold Toe socks, nothing fancy. Thankfully, I have never had problems with blisters so the Gold Toe socks work good for me.
I’m also bringing my iPod shuffle, Garmin watch, lip balm, camera, and sunglasses.
I don’t like running in a hat or visor so I run in my sunglasses. I also hate wearing an armband so the iPod shuffle works out great because I just clip it to my shorts.
I’m bringing some gels and chews.
These aren’t for me – I’m going to see if my family wants them. I think even if your walking, 9.3 miles is long and you’ll need energy.
I’m stopping at the store today to pick up some more of the Honey Stinger chews which I will be using for race fuel.
Hydrating
I have decided not to bring my hand-held water bottle with me for the race. The most important thing is to hydrate prior to a race and after a race. I have tried to increase my water intake these past couple of days.
The kids and I were out of the house all day yesterday, so I made sure to bring my water tumbler with me and refill throughout the day. I will do the same thing today.
“Being more than two percent dehydrated in warm environments causes a decline in performance,” says Robert W. Kenefick, Ph.D., a physiologist with the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.
In a study in the April 2010 Journal of Athletic Training, runners who started a 12-K race dehydrated on an 80-degree day finished about two and a half minutes slower compared to when they ran it hydrated. Dehydration causes your blood volume to drop, which lowers your body’s ability to transfer heat and forces your heart to beat faster, making it difficult for your body to meet aerobic demands.
I also came across a list of why you should not run with water:
• Carrying water can affect your running form if you hold something in your hands. It also gets away from the freedom and relaxation of running.
• It adds unnecessary weight, whether in your hands or on your waist.
• Blood and oxygen should be going to the muscles for its intense activity, not detoured to the stomach to aid in absorption and digestion.
• Hydrating while running can cause stomach upset, with sloshing liquids in the stomach, intestinal discomfort, side stitches/cramps or even nausea, especially with more concentrated sports drinks.
• Stopping for water during races slows your time.
While I think this list makes some valid points, I think it’s up to the individual whether or not to run with water. I know that carrying a water bottle throws off my running form, so I decided not to run with one.
The 15k is supposed to have water stations every 1.5-2 miles, so hopefully that should be plenty.
I’m off to cook Danny a special birthday breakfast – cinnamon French toast, hash browns, and eggs!
Have a great day!
