Hey everyone!
Guess what? If you're running track, our first meet is THIS THURSDAY!!!! The day after tomorrow!
We're heading to Bainbridge early, so get ready for a long afternoon- but a fun one! Lisel and I plan to organize the traditional game of ninja on the ferry over, so remember to sharpen your skills for that. Which skills, I don't know, but sharpen them. Anyways. I hope you're all excited! But if you're nervous, remember...
-You're ready! You've been training for at least a month, if not more, for the season! Why wouldn't you do well? The only possible reason, besides an actual injury, would be because...
-This is the first meet of the season! Nobody expects mind-blowing PRs. Whatever you do will be fine because IT'S THE FIRST DARN MEET.
-That being said, if you're new to competition or you've just forgotten how nervous it makes you, use this meet to deal with all that. Get the nerves and pressured feelings out of the way now and you might feel better the rest of the season.
-Also, don't psych yourself out! I'm gonna keep this post short because I can feel myself getting nervous and antsy just typing about the meet and looking up stats. But that's unneccessary so I'm going to avoid it. No athletic.net stalking for me tonight!
-Finally, no matter how nervous or stressed you might be... remember the reason you joined. Be honest here. You're not staying because someone is holding a gun to your head and saying RUUUUUUUUUN! No, you're staying because there's a part of you that is unequivocally in love with running. It's what keeps you coming to practices in the rain and wind. It's what bonds you to the rest of the team. And this Thursday, it is going to be that force that pushes past whatever fears or doubts you may have as you stretch every limb to cross that finish line as fast as you can.
Believe in yourself, and I promise, you will be successful.
Good luck, everyone, and see you on Thursday!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
This Is Your Today
Hey everyone!
I'm going to start this post by letting you all know that this is really hard for me to say. What I'm about to discuss is really important, but I feel like it might not be well received. However, it needs to be said. As a captain and, more importantly, someone who loves and is dedicated to her team, I am going to put myself out there and talk about the issue that has arisen recently. Please know I am not blaming, criticizing, or insulting ANYONE; I just want what's best for our team.
Today I was sitting in one of my classes and my classmates started talking about drugs. They were talking about some people who they claimed had been doing some drug-related stuff and I wasn't really listening, until I heard this:
"Oh yeah, the whole cross-country team does it."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah... Hey, do you think Kenaia's part of it?"
Unfortunately, this is not the first time I've overheard a conversation like this. It's not the first time I've heard people I know make comments about drug use on our team. But this is the first time I've heard people say THE WHOLE TEAM is some big drug fest. This is the first time my NAME has been associated with anything of the sort, which makes me pretty upset. I'm not trying to be cocky here, I've just never even thought that I could be related to a rumor like this. I was so surprised today in class I almost started laughing- I mean, are you kidding me?? I can take rumors like this with a sense of humor even if I'm shocked and irritated. But what about those newer members of our team, who joined cross country because they'd heard great things about us? What about the underclassmen who joined cross country for the sport, for the community? How would you feel if you knew people believed you were doing things you'd never even considered just because of this silly reputation?
If drugs are your thing, if that's something you choose to do, then I can't stop you. However, I don't think it's good for you or a good idea. It's illegal and can have serious consequences. It could cause you to develop an addiction, get cancer, or a number of other things. It can mess with your social, academic and personal life. Worse- it can actually KILL you. It can also have a very negative impact on other people.
Why is our reputation so important? It causes a huge problem with recruiting. People don't want to join a team that's known for less-than-ideal behavior. There's a school right now that has such a bad reputation that other schools are being overcrowded because students are so desperate not to be there. I don't want that to happen to us.
So I'm asking you all, as my teammates and as my running family: what are we going to do? Because this is not us, not what we should be known for. We are not the team that is going to be ridiculed and judged and gossiped about. When I joined cross country freshman year, I quickly realized it was the best decision I'd ever made. It has been a beautiful and amazing part of my world these last three years. It's not an exaggeration when I say it has changed my life, made me more confident, and introduced me to some of the coolest people I've ever met. We are at a pivotal moment in the process of building this amazing program- look at what we accomplished this past season! BOTH teams went to Districts for the first time in literally DECADES. We have a young team with the potential to go so, so far. There is nothing in our way... except this. So please, think. Just think about this issue. What can you do- what can we do- to rebuild our reputation and our community? Each day of the season- even right now, in the middle of the off season- I see you all working so hard to succeed, so hard to push beyond the physical and mental limits most people simply accept as impassable. So please, let's keep our team going strong. Let's be the most amazing thing that's ever happened to cross country at Chief Sealth. I believe in all of you- in all of us. I will ask this one last time: what are WE going to do?
I'm going to start this post by letting you all know that this is really hard for me to say. What I'm about to discuss is really important, but I feel like it might not be well received. However, it needs to be said. As a captain and, more importantly, someone who loves and is dedicated to her team, I am going to put myself out there and talk about the issue that has arisen recently. Please know I am not blaming, criticizing, or insulting ANYONE; I just want what's best for our team.
Today I was sitting in one of my classes and my classmates started talking about drugs. They were talking about some people who they claimed had been doing some drug-related stuff and I wasn't really listening, until I heard this:
"Oh yeah, the whole cross-country team does it."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah... Hey, do you think Kenaia's part of it?"
Unfortunately, this is not the first time I've overheard a conversation like this. It's not the first time I've heard people I know make comments about drug use on our team. But this is the first time I've heard people say THE WHOLE TEAM is some big drug fest. This is the first time my NAME has been associated with anything of the sort, which makes me pretty upset. I'm not trying to be cocky here, I've just never even thought that I could be related to a rumor like this. I was so surprised today in class I almost started laughing- I mean, are you kidding me?? I can take rumors like this with a sense of humor even if I'm shocked and irritated. But what about those newer members of our team, who joined cross country because they'd heard great things about us? What about the underclassmen who joined cross country for the sport, for the community? How would you feel if you knew people believed you were doing things you'd never even considered just because of this silly reputation?
If drugs are your thing, if that's something you choose to do, then I can't stop you. However, I don't think it's good for you or a good idea. It's illegal and can have serious consequences. It could cause you to develop an addiction, get cancer, or a number of other things. It can mess with your social, academic and personal life. Worse- it can actually KILL you. It can also have a very negative impact on other people.
Something like this affects our team. It makes it harder to bond with each other. It can create a divide between teammates when people feel pressured to do what everyone else is doing. It can cause health problems. It can destroy our reputation as a team.
Why is our reputation so important? It causes a huge problem with recruiting. People don't want to join a team that's known for less-than-ideal behavior. There's a school right now that has such a bad reputation that other schools are being overcrowded because students are so desperate not to be there. I don't want that to happen to us.
So I'm asking you all, as my teammates and as my running family: what are we going to do? Because this is not us, not what we should be known for. We are not the team that is going to be ridiculed and judged and gossiped about. When I joined cross country freshman year, I quickly realized it was the best decision I'd ever made. It has been a beautiful and amazing part of my world these last three years. It's not an exaggeration when I say it has changed my life, made me more confident, and introduced me to some of the coolest people I've ever met. We are at a pivotal moment in the process of building this amazing program- look at what we accomplished this past season! BOTH teams went to Districts for the first time in literally DECADES. We have a young team with the potential to go so, so far. There is nothing in our way... except this. So please, think. Just think about this issue. What can you do- what can we do- to rebuild our reputation and our community? Each day of the season- even right now, in the middle of the off season- I see you all working so hard to succeed, so hard to push beyond the physical and mental limits most people simply accept as impassable. So please, let's keep our team going strong. Let's be the most amazing thing that's ever happened to cross country at Chief Sealth. I believe in all of you- in all of us. I will ask this one last time: what are WE going to do?
Monday, December 10, 2012
Winter Training
Hi guys! As I'm sure you've learned from the constant Facebook posts, we're having practice every day after school. As far as I know, people are just coming when they can. I understand if you can't make practice- I actually haven't been to a single winter practice yet! Which is awful but I'm going tomorrow. Anyways.
I know it's hard to run over the winter- I mean, I've only run three times since State! But one thing that makes it easier is setting a goal. Maybe register for a road race. I'm doing the 12ks of Christmas this Sunday, December 16th and probably the Nookachamps half marathon in January. I think these are fun because they're longer than we usually run and holiday related. If you don't want long there are plenty of holiday/winter themed 5ks or 10ks you could run. Just Google them!
Another thing about winter training that's hard is finding the time to schedule workouts or running. You might have a winter sport you're training for, lots of holiday events, traveling, homework, a job... Whatever it is, you really have to make time to run. I kind of learned this the hard way last month. I got a job right after State, got sick and missed a bunch of school, plus I have a ton of IB homework. Plus, it was nice to come home from school and drink cocoa with marshmallows while watching Mad Men or Top Gun! It was fun to hang out in my comfy checkered pj pants all day and not have to DO anything! I didn't want to go running in the cold, wet, barren world outside my window!
So basically I was slacking big time. Yes, I was sick, but really I probably could have gone running. Still, maybe I just needed a break. And maybe you did too. I'm okay with resting. I've learned, over the last few years, that it's good for you. But now it's December. Cross country ended a month ago. Track seems super far away, but think of it this way: we have three months in the summer to train for cross country. We have the winter to train for track, which I think starts in late March. Basically, if you want to have the same mileage base you had for cross country (or better) for track, you have to start NOW.
Maybe you don't want to start running again because, like I said, you want to be cozy and maybe celebrate the holidays by being indoors gift shopping or watching The Grinch with your family. Again, I get it, I've been there, but we HAVE to find some ways to get out of this rut. So... find fun ways to run! Make it something you look forward too! For those of you who are already running, kudos to you (but this list might be fun to check out anyways). If you haven't, here are some ideas...
- Do what my dad and I did this evening and go running at 8:00 at night to look at all the Christmas lights! Best to do with a buddy so you don't get attacked by a random axe murderer.
- Run at the YMCA or gym if it's really gross out. It can be fun to watch random spanish soap operas on the treadmills and make up your own dialogue for them
-Run with the team! Obviously. We're just cool.
-Go on runs with specific focuses on different aspects of form. Like, 'today I will focus on my stride' or 'today I will focus on my arm movement'. Maybe it's just me but I think this is fun.
-Shopping runs. Run to a store and buy something small for yourself. Then run home. Yes, you do look a little funny running home with a plastic bag of nail polish (I know this from experience) but who cares!
-Music runs. Run with your iPod blasting and literally sing to every. Single. Song. You will sound awful. And feel epic. Do it. Maybe in a secluded area. :P
-FOOD RUNS. Run with a buddy and grab lunch at Emerald City Smoothie, or go out for coffee after. I especially love food runs while I'm on vacation in Winthrop because you get to run on snowy trails and see mountains and stuff, then you can get really good almond milk lattes at the Mazama store.
-Adventure! Find some trails or parks you've never been to and explore them! You could even try geocaching! If you've never heard of it, Google it 'cause I'm too lazy to explain. Some of my favorite runs have involved getting lost while discovering new trails!
-Find a place you love and run there. I love downtown, and on long runs I can run through the city and down to Greenlake. It's fun because I can enjoy the entire thing! You might try Alki, your bak
-Do a 'me' run. This means whatever you want it to. For me, it means wearing my favorite running clothes, listening to my favorite music and just running. I don't plan the distance, the speed, or anything. If the distance or speed I end up going changes, so be it. If the weather is crap I might enjoy it, but it's okay if I go inside. Basically, for me these runs are about enjoying the freedom of running and nothing else. These probably aren't best to train with every day, but they're definately helpful to get you looking at running with a better mental attitude.
Any other ideas? Let me know!
I know it's hard to run over the winter- I mean, I've only run three times since State! But one thing that makes it easier is setting a goal. Maybe register for a road race. I'm doing the 12ks of Christmas this Sunday, December 16th and probably the Nookachamps half marathon in January. I think these are fun because they're longer than we usually run and holiday related. If you don't want long there are plenty of holiday/winter themed 5ks or 10ks you could run. Just Google them!
Another thing about winter training that's hard is finding the time to schedule workouts or running. You might have a winter sport you're training for, lots of holiday events, traveling, homework, a job... Whatever it is, you really have to make time to run. I kind of learned this the hard way last month. I got a job right after State, got sick and missed a bunch of school, plus I have a ton of IB homework. Plus, it was nice to come home from school and drink cocoa with marshmallows while watching Mad Men or Top Gun! It was fun to hang out in my comfy checkered pj pants all day and not have to DO anything! I didn't want to go running in the cold, wet, barren world outside my window!
So basically I was slacking big time. Yes, I was sick, but really I probably could have gone running. Still, maybe I just needed a break. And maybe you did too. I'm okay with resting. I've learned, over the last few years, that it's good for you. But now it's December. Cross country ended a month ago. Track seems super far away, but think of it this way: we have three months in the summer to train for cross country. We have the winter to train for track, which I think starts in late March. Basically, if you want to have the same mileage base you had for cross country (or better) for track, you have to start NOW.
Maybe you don't want to start running again because, like I said, you want to be cozy and maybe celebrate the holidays by being indoors gift shopping or watching The Grinch with your family. Again, I get it, I've been there, but we HAVE to find some ways to get out of this rut. So... find fun ways to run! Make it something you look forward too! For those of you who are already running, kudos to you (but this list might be fun to check out anyways). If you haven't, here are some ideas...
- Do what my dad and I did this evening and go running at 8:00 at night to look at all the Christmas lights! Best to do with a buddy so you don't get attacked by a random axe murderer.
- Run at the YMCA or gym if it's really gross out. It can be fun to watch random spanish soap operas on the treadmills and make up your own dialogue for them
-Run with the team! Obviously. We're just cool.
-Go on runs with specific focuses on different aspects of form. Like, 'today I will focus on my stride' or 'today I will focus on my arm movement'. Maybe it's just me but I think this is fun.
-Shopping runs. Run to a store and buy something small for yourself. Then run home. Yes, you do look a little funny running home with a plastic bag of nail polish (I know this from experience) but who cares!
-Music runs. Run with your iPod blasting and literally sing to every. Single. Song. You will sound awful. And feel epic. Do it. Maybe in a secluded area. :P
-FOOD RUNS. Run with a buddy and grab lunch at Emerald City Smoothie, or go out for coffee after. I especially love food runs while I'm on vacation in Winthrop because you get to run on snowy trails and see mountains and stuff, then you can get really good almond milk lattes at the Mazama store.
-Adventure! Find some trails or parks you've never been to and explore them! You could even try geocaching! If you've never heard of it, Google it 'cause I'm too lazy to explain. Some of my favorite runs have involved getting lost while discovering new trails!
-Find a place you love and run there. I love downtown, and on long runs I can run through the city and down to Greenlake. It's fun because I can enjoy the entire thing! You might try Alki, your bak
-Do a 'me' run. This means whatever you want it to. For me, it means wearing my favorite running clothes, listening to my favorite music and just running. I don't plan the distance, the speed, or anything. If the distance or speed I end up going changes, so be it. If the weather is crap I might enjoy it, but it's okay if I go inside. Basically, for me these runs are about enjoying the freedom of running and nothing else. These probably aren't best to train with every day, but they're definately helpful to get you looking at running with a better mental attitude.
Any other ideas? Let me know!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Running Music
I don't know about you guys, but I love running to music. It kind of makes me feel like I'm in some epic movie, especially if I'm running in the dark or in the rain. I picked some of my favorite running music and put it on here 'cause I think everyone should be able to have an epic running theme song! Feel free to comment on this post with other songs you run to. :)
First off we have "Breath of Life" by Florence + The Machine, which if good for pre-meet strength.
Then there's a song that describes running very well in percentages, "Remember the Name" by Fort Minor.
Here's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" by Journey, which I think was used in the awkward runner video.
"Blackout" by Breathe Carolina for those tougher runs where you need a little rhythm to keep going.
"All The Rowboats" by Regina Spektor, which is a little more unusual but has a fantastic beat and is really fun to run to.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Prepping For Districts, More Food Talk and Happiness
First, a moment of celebration. BOTH TEAMS MADE IT TO DISTRICTS!!! That's amazing! Especially because the guys haven't gone in twenty years and last week they snagged the 8th spot in Metros by ONE point! So that's super exciting. Now let's prepare for this week...
Just because it's the last meet doesn't mean it's an excuse to slack off. Think of it as one final chance to get that PR! You'll be running with the fastest people in the District- let them lead you to a faster time! As the coaches mentioned, some of our team will likely end up being the last finishers in their respective races. Don't let that discourage you! Every one of us is running this race for us. We're all trying to do our best, no matter what the circumstances that surround us on race day. I understand that sometimes it feels like there's no reason to push yourself if you can't go anywhere from this. At State last year I ran one of my slowest times all season. I thought, before the race, that I didn't care what time I ran or how well I did. I was just excited to just have fun being at State! And while that's great, and it was a fantastic experience, and we should all aim to have a fun time at Districts, I was disappointed in myself after the race. Not because I didn't place high enough or really even because I didn't run fast enough. I was disappointed because here I was, having earned this opportunity to run at State, something I'd been working towards ALL YEAR, and I felt like I didn't even try to run well. I felt like I'd just wasted my opportunity.
Guys, we EARNED Districts. Show the race some respect and give it everything you have. You know how when we do mile repeats, you save yourself in the beginning a little so you have energy left to run your final mile? Then, on your final mile, you use every bit of power you have left in your legs? Well, treat Districts like that. You've got NOTHING to lose. So go for it!!
As far as eating, stick to the same general idea as last week. Healthy, nourishing foods. Feeling nasty on race day because you ate something funny does not make for an enjoyable experience. I have one other thing I'd like to mention about food, though- please don't not eat. I know sometimes people get insecure about their weight, and some runners think that maybe the lighter they are the faster they'll be. And while this may be true to some extent- if you weigh 600 pounds you probably aren't going to be able to run a 4:30 mile- it's not enough of a factor to freak out about AT ALL. I've been there before and avoiding or obsessing over food is not going to help you with anything. It's not going to make you faster or help your self esteem or make you healthy. Actually, it will make you weak and possibly a slower runner. You could get injured due to lack of nutrition. I really, really don't want anyone on the team to have similar problems to the ones I used to have. So don't freak out over food this week, okay? Just stay healthy and be smart (and drink water).
Finally, I just want to say this: we are the STARS of cross country right now at Sealth, guys. We are setting school records (or at least coming close to them), growing the team larger than it's been in YEARS, and getting further than we've gotten in years too. We have the best cross country team in West Seattle! Okay, so West Seattle is the only other school in the neighborhood that we compete against, but still. This is our time, and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it with all of you.
Let's go rock Districts!! :D
Just because it's the last meet doesn't mean it's an excuse to slack off. Think of it as one final chance to get that PR! You'll be running with the fastest people in the District- let them lead you to a faster time! As the coaches mentioned, some of our team will likely end up being the last finishers in their respective races. Don't let that discourage you! Every one of us is running this race for us. We're all trying to do our best, no matter what the circumstances that surround us on race day. I understand that sometimes it feels like there's no reason to push yourself if you can't go anywhere from this. At State last year I ran one of my slowest times all season. I thought, before the race, that I didn't care what time I ran or how well I did. I was just excited to just have fun being at State! And while that's great, and it was a fantastic experience, and we should all aim to have a fun time at Districts, I was disappointed in myself after the race. Not because I didn't place high enough or really even because I didn't run fast enough. I was disappointed because here I was, having earned this opportunity to run at State, something I'd been working towards ALL YEAR, and I felt like I didn't even try to run well. I felt like I'd just wasted my opportunity.
Guys, we EARNED Districts. Show the race some respect and give it everything you have. You know how when we do mile repeats, you save yourself in the beginning a little so you have energy left to run your final mile? Then, on your final mile, you use every bit of power you have left in your legs? Well, treat Districts like that. You've got NOTHING to lose. So go for it!!
As far as eating, stick to the same general idea as last week. Healthy, nourishing foods. Feeling nasty on race day because you ate something funny does not make for an enjoyable experience. I have one other thing I'd like to mention about food, though- please don't not eat. I know sometimes people get insecure about their weight, and some runners think that maybe the lighter they are the faster they'll be. And while this may be true to some extent- if you weigh 600 pounds you probably aren't going to be able to run a 4:30 mile- it's not enough of a factor to freak out about AT ALL. I've been there before and avoiding or obsessing over food is not going to help you with anything. It's not going to make you faster or help your self esteem or make you healthy. Actually, it will make you weak and possibly a slower runner. You could get injured due to lack of nutrition. I really, really don't want anyone on the team to have similar problems to the ones I used to have. So don't freak out over food this week, okay? Just stay healthy and be smart (and drink water).
Finally, I just want to say this: we are the STARS of cross country right now at Sealth, guys. We are setting school records (or at least coming close to them), growing the team larger than it's been in YEARS, and getting further than we've gotten in years too. We have the best cross country team in West Seattle! Okay, so West Seattle is the only other school in the neighborhood that we compete against, but still. This is our time, and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it with all of you.
Let's go rock Districts!! :D
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Finding Your Inspiration
We all have off-days. Not days where you have a day off from running, but days when your train of thought runs a little like this: why am I running this hurts this is crazy I don't feel like running anymore I wanna go home and sit on the couch with a blanket and the TV and eat junk food all day why would I choose to go running I suck at running I could be painting/singing/driving sports cars right now... You get the point. Sometimes there are just days, or even weeks and months where you just don't know what your motivation to run if anymore.
I don't know about you, but I REALLY HATE those times. They make you feel like you will never be good enough or strong enough or fast enough. The worst thing is that it's all in your head. When you lose sight of your inspiration or motivation, you can't ice or do core work or use a roller to make things better. You have to train your mind to find your motivation again.
For some people, it's helpful to remember why they are running. It could be for a person who was important in your life and has passed away, for a goal like being faster or being able to run further, or to feel stronger. If none of these are the reasons you run, just remember to run simply for yourself.
Something that's always useful for me is looking up running quotes and just having them in your mind. You don't have to sit down and write an essay on what each one means to you, but it's a good idea to at least consider the ones that really mean something to you, if only for a moment. Sooo here are some of my favorites.
For days when you're feeling lazy and tired and too sick to run...
No matter how slow you run, you're still lapping everyone on the couch.
When you're fighting for a position in a qualifying race and you feel like you can't run any harder.
The body achieves what the mind believes.
And my absolute favorite, all time quotes, best for those d
I don't know about you, but I REALLY HATE those times. They make you feel like you will never be good enough or strong enough or fast enough. The worst thing is that it's all in your head. When you lose sight of your inspiration or motivation, you can't ice or do core work or use a roller to make things better. You have to train your mind to find your motivation again.
For some people, it's helpful to remember why they are running. It could be for a person who was important in your life and has passed away, for a goal like being faster or being able to run further, or to feel stronger. If none of these are the reasons you run, just remember to run simply for yourself.
Something that's always useful for me is looking up running quotes and just having them in your mind. You don't have to sit down and write an essay on what each one means to you, but it's a good idea to at least consider the ones that really mean something to you, if only for a moment. Sooo here are some of my favorites.
For days when you're feeling lazy and tired and too sick to run...
No matter how slow you run, you're still lapping everyone on the couch.
When you're fighting for a position in a qualifying race and you feel like you can't run any harder.
The body achieves what the mind believes.
And my absolute favorite, all time quotes, best for those d
ays when you completely psych yourself out before a race and are overwhelmingly scared to fail...
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Now go do it.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Eating For A Big Race
Hey guys! I'm sure you all know that this Thursday is the Metro Championship meet. As in, BIG IMPORTANT RACE. Yay! I want to make sure no one gets a stomachache on race day or starts randomly puking because they ate something funny. So here's my idea of race week nutrition, based on experience and way too much knowledge about nutrition.
The Week Leading Up To The Race...
Don't eat a lot of crap. You know what I mean... Cheetos, Snickers, 7-11 Slurpees... I don't care if those are your favorite foods, they have no nutrition and won't help prepare your muscles for Thursday. Just try to be eating healthy this week. You don't have to go out looking for organic chicken and chia seeds all week (even though chia seeds are AMAZING) but just avoid the things that have an ingredients list a mile long, please.
The Day Before The Race...
Again, just eat smart. Don't eat a bunch of spicy food or you WILL feel awful the next day. On Wednesday night we're actually going to have a pasta dinner so everyone gets some good carbs into them. Carbs are good because they provide energy that --trust me-- you will NEED for Metros. On Wednesday you should also really try to stay hydrated, even if you have to pee a million times in an hour.
The Day Of The Race...
Eat a good breakfast with protein and carbs- a bagel with peanut butter, eggs, potatoes, cereal... DO NOT eat anything weird like leftover nachos with chili sauce. Also avoid anything really greasy. Hydrate more in the morning, but don't try and drink 8 gallons of water if that's not what you're used to. For lunch again, simple carbs and water are good. Bread, granola bars, trail mix, bananas... Finally, I don't recommend eating anything at least two hours before the race, but if you're starved then have half a cookie or something REALLY EASILY digestible and simple that will stop your stomach from rumbling but won't make you puke. For me part of a simple granola bar works, but Coach Glover recommends something lower in complex carbs and higher in sugar and simple carbs. A few pretzels, a cookie, a cracker, etc.
Aaaand After The Race...
Eat whatever you want. You don't have to run for the next 24 hours. :)
The Week Leading Up To The Race...
Don't eat a lot of crap. You know what I mean... Cheetos, Snickers, 7-11 Slurpees... I don't care if those are your favorite foods, they have no nutrition and won't help prepare your muscles for Thursday. Just try to be eating healthy this week. You don't have to go out looking for organic chicken and chia seeds all week (even though chia seeds are AMAZING) but just avoid the things that have an ingredients list a mile long, please.
The Day Before The Race...
Again, just eat smart. Don't eat a bunch of spicy food or you WILL feel awful the next day. On Wednesday night we're actually going to have a pasta dinner so everyone gets some good carbs into them. Carbs are good because they provide energy that --trust me-- you will NEED for Metros. On Wednesday you should also really try to stay hydrated, even if you have to pee a million times in an hour.
The Day Of The Race...
Eat a good breakfast with protein and carbs- a bagel with peanut butter, eggs, potatoes, cereal... DO NOT eat anything weird like leftover nachos with chili sauce. Also avoid anything really greasy. Hydrate more in the morning, but don't try and drink 8 gallons of water if that's not what you're used to. For lunch again, simple carbs and water are good. Bread, granola bars, trail mix, bananas... Finally, I don't recommend eating anything at least two hours before the race, but if you're starved then have half a cookie or something REALLY EASILY digestible and simple that will stop your stomach from rumbling but won't make you puke. For me part of a simple granola bar works, but Coach Glover recommends something lower in complex carbs and higher in sugar and simple carbs. A few pretzels, a cookie, a cracker, etc.
Aaaand After The Race...
Eat whatever you want. You don't have to run for the next 24 hours. :)
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