MCM Historic Half Done!

Hi Fellow Runners,

I completed the MCM Historic Half in Fredericksburg, VA yesterday in my record time, 2:04:30. It was a tough race especially with the two very large hills at mile 10. I felt pretty good later in the day and today the day after.

I've learned that preparation can make a difference in perfomance and after race recovery. We all know that if you put in your running before the race, you will be more prepared, as long as you don't overdo it and hurt yourself. You body does need time to recover.

Also, remember to think carefully about what you eat and drink every day but particularly the weekend of the race. The processed foods and sugar will hurt you. Read labels carefully. Very few sports drinks have decent ingredients. Olympian Jeff Galloway says that drinking Gatorade the day of the race or during can stomach issues. Do some reseach on natural alternatives.

In summary, here's a great quote that fits what I was feeling on mile 10 yesterday of a double hill on the course:

"Top results are reached only through pain. But eventually you like this pain. You'll find the more difficulties you have on the way, the more you will enjoy your success. " Juha Vaatainen, former Finnish athlete and winner of the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter gold medals at the 1971 European Championships. -taken from Runnersworld.com Daily Kick in the Butt

www.heidijcox.com
www.heidi.goyoli.com for natural health options for running

Race Day Tomorrow: MCM Historic Half

With less than 12 hours until the MCM Historic Half, I am done eating, still hydrating and mentally visualizing the race for tomorrow. I'll be getting to bed early and excitedly anticipating the race. I took a few days off this week and only ran lightly so I'm ready for a big run. The weather looks good. It's a hilly course so I plan to run at a comfortable pace so that I have energy left for the hills. There is a huge, double hill at the end.

I'll be up at 4:30am, out the door by 5:30am so I can be at the race an hour before it starts to stretch and prepare.

More soon after the race!

Heidi J Cox
www.heidijcox.com

1 Week Till Race Time

It's one week until the MCM Historic Half. The time has cropped up quickly. It is easy to have these thought in your head: Am I ready? Will it be too hot? Will the hills be terrible? Will I be sore....... Just like anything, after you've done your preparation, the rest is about preparing your mind. With the right mindset, any race will be great. So, here are my thoughts: "I'm ready and it will be a great race. I'm excited and I am ready to tackle the hills. It will be a lot of fun, a great experience and I look forward to all the support on the course from the MCM support team."

Better said:

"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought. "

Arthur Blank, American businessman and a co-founder of Home Depot
Taken from Runnersworld.com quote of the day

Enjoy!
www.heidijcox.com