Staring Race Day in the Face

Race Day is upon us. About eight hours from now, my alarm will go off and all of this training will be put to the test.

I'm anxious excited about tomorrow because I know that I put in all of the work to not only finish the race, but to meet our sub-2 hour finish time goal. Tomorrow I'm just going to tell my brain and my stomach to shut up and let my legs do all of the work.

Yesterday my Dad and I were coincidentally buisness travel buddies and were on the same flight from Atlanta to DC. We're awesome - nbd. And then we were conicidentally sitting next to each other on the plane. I'm hoping that these positive coincidences flow over into tomorrow morning.

After we landed at Reagan National, we went straight over to the Expo to pick up our our packets and our race numbers. I had never been to a race day expo. It was as if Runner's World threw up on the DC Armory.

There were booths for every type of running gear imaginable. From Garmin GPS watches to Gu Chomps to Newton running shoes. I was seriously overwhelmed. Why are you taunting me with all of this cool new gear when what I really need to do is stick with what I'm comfortable with on race day???

After we left the Armory, Dad and I decided to drive the route of the race.

I was anxious about running a race with a route that was essentially a surprise around every corner. I've done that before but it's the worst feeling when you think that you are finishing a race only to find out there there's one last hill you have to run up.

It's extremely reassuring to do a turn-by-turn dress rehearsal of the race. Now I know that the first 3 miles are flat and easy, the next 3 or 4 miles are a bit hilly once we get to Connecticut Ave and the Adams Morgan area, but then the last 3 or 4 miles are basically all downhill.

I also have my whole gear situation decided on now. Tomorrows routine is strategically planned in my mind.

Wake up. Put on race day outfit.

Shorts. Neon tank (naturally). New Balance Minimus Road 10. Body Glide. Garmin. Energy fruit snacks for mile 6.

Brush teeth, deodorize, make sure my headband holds all of my hair out of my eyes.

Mosey downstair and make my pre-race breakfast - one egg on a whole wheat english muffin.

Get to RFK and find the Organization for Autism Research charity tent.

Did I mention that you all helped me surpass my fundraising goals by $100?? Thank you so much! I'm so thrilled.

Once we get to the race, I'll use the bathroom, keep drinking water, and shake out the nerves in my legs. I'll re-tie my shoes, and make sure my chip timer is attached securely.

My other strategy for tomorrow is that it is going to be close to 75 degrees tomorrow, but early in the morning it might be chilly. The plan is to bring a crappy long-sleeved t-shirt that I never wear anymore, start the run wearing it, but as soon as it gets too hot I can just ditch it on the course and not feel bad about ever getting it back. Goodbye junior retreat t-shirt with the weird bleach stains! It's been real.

Oh yeah. I'm going to run 13.1 miles too.

All there is to do now is get a good night of sleep! If anyone wants to have Guinness waiting for me at the finish line I would be more than grateful. I'm also planning my finishline pose for the cameras. Get ready for some serious cheesing.