On the eve of race day...

"No matter how old I get, the race remains one of life's most rewarding experiences. My times become slower and slower, but the experience of the race is unchanged: each race a drama, each race a challenge, each race stretching me in one way or another, and each race telling me more about myself and others." ~ Dr. George Sheehan

2012 1/2 Marathon Finishers Medal

Tomorrow morning I will participate in my fifth half marathon and yet I'm as nervous as if it were my first. I don't know why this one has caused me so much anxiety. Maybe because it's been six months since my last half  marathon. Maybe because this will be the largest race in which I've participated. Maybe because among the racers will be co-workers, running mates, and friends. Maybe because I only trained for eight weeks and missed two long runs. The other night I actually dreamed that I missed the race and went to a bootleg man to buy a medal but he ran out and I was like, "Dude! I can't go home without a medal. I can't get a DNF!!" Hilarious!!

To add to my anxiety my right arch and knee are feeling weird. I'm not sure what to do about it, so we'll just see how it goes tomorrow. This evening I will do a portion of P90X's Stretch X to help loosen up any tightness and I've taken a Motrin to alleviate any inflammation I may have. And of course I've been hydrating (my urine is so pretty--to other runners that's not gross)!! I'm also praying and making myself relax. The things I can control I will. Everything else is in God's hands. 

One thing that I've learned through distance racing is that you never know what's ahead. No matter how much you study the course map or how well you've trained, to a certain point you have very little control over the outcome. I count it a blessing each time I finish because others who were faster, skinnier, and more experienced than me have lost their lives or suffered major injuries on the course; but God has seen fit each time to lead me on to a victorious end. 

So, my game plan for tomorrow is:

• Breakfast 1 (as soon as I wake up): Shakeology
• Breakfast 2 (about 60-30 mins before start): slice of bread w/PB and banana
• Mid-race recharge: pack of GU at mile 7, drink Energy & Endurance at mile 8
• Parking at my office (last potty break) and walking/jogging the .8 miles to the start as my warm-up
• After the finish, walk to the bus depot and hop on the bus back to my car

To all those participating tomorrow, I pray good hydration, strong legs, and a great finish. Godspeed!!