The 24-48 hours before a major race is critical to your performance on race day. You can’t get any faster by training more so close to a race, but you can prepare your body (and mind) to be race ready. How do you get ready for a major endurance event?
My coach, Mark Allen, has us resting two days before race day. What does rest mean? Stay off you feet, legs elevated, rest your body and your mind. Feed your body proper nutrition… eat real food, but make sure it is simple and easy to digest. Don’t try any new foods the day before a race.
All week, I have observed athletes training every day, at all hours of the day. When do they take a rest day? Do people take an “active recovery” rest day the week before the World Championships? I would love to do a study on race week tapers and personal best races. Are people eating processed foods and excess sugar (including “sports drinks”) leading up to a race? Drinking soda and beer? Are they drinking water and NUUN type of products to add electrolytes?
Ironman Hawaii “Welcome Dinner” was held last night, Thursday, at 6pm in Kona. They had the race meeting after the “opening ceremonies”. I know the race meeting is required, but so is a good night’s sleep two nights before the race (the night of sleep that really makes a difference). I left the IM “Welcome Dinner” at 8pm even though I wanted to be in my condo at 8pm and in bed by 9pm. The race meeting had not even started yet. I know I am a “Trouble Maker” but I need my sleep and relaxation time. I will have to find out if I missed anything, but I don’t think they changed the drafting rules or the course for IM Hawaii!
For me, today, I am resting in my condo and staying inside until I drop off my bike and transition bags. I will take video of my entrance to the transition area as it is so entertaining! Tomorrow, watch out for my 15 push-ups that I will be doing at the finish line, for my 15th Ironman. The finish line at IM Hawaii is the most incredible feeling of any triathlon, in my opinion. Once you hit Aili drive on the run course, go under the two big trees, then the finish line exictment. LOVE IT! That feeling is what drives the pace all day, on race day… plus I would LOVE to podium in my age group 40-44 years of age this year. I BELIEVE I can do it… and “I am here to WIN” (my age group mantra). I have my other mantras for the swim, bike and run as well as from my friends (“I am a MF BAD ASS”) to say, in my inside voice.
I am looking forward to see all of my support team, the VIP passes at the finish line, Cliff Bar race party and post race parties on Sunday!
Stay tuned for my post race blogs.
Aloha!
