I think my brother and I were either drugged at lunch, or just extremely worn out from the last two days at the park. Either way, we got back from lunch and I told him I was going to lay down for 15 minutes, and woke up 2 hours later. When I went to scold him for letting me sleep that long he told me he just woke up as well! What happened to us!
Anyways, today was fun. We went to Fiddler's Green in Winter Park to pick up my race packet. #378! I want to wear a all green outfit, since tomorrow I think is a St. Patrick's day themed run, or at least from the pictures it looks like people will be in green! I'm not really sure. The shirts are long sleeve shirts, and I got a large to give to my dad. I am considering though, saving all of my t-shirts and making a blanket one day. I never really wear t-shirts like this, or long sleeves either. They aren't really comfortable to me!
This is my race outfit for tomorrow. The tank is more yellow, but it's a Cool Racerback from Lululemon, the skirt is the one I wore in my Princess race last weekend, a black run skirt from lululemon, Luckily, I already had a green skinny satin pirouette from lululemon. The jacket is my sisters, and it's a green Define Jacket from a few years ago. I doubt I'll wear it during the race, but I'll keep it in my car for after! I hope I look just like a baby leprechaun.
After we picked up my race info, we headed to Park Avenue in Winter Park. There were two restaurants on my mind, Bosphorous, a Turkish restaurant where I sampled a few pieces of chicken the other day and was really interested considering I'm not sure if I have ever had Turkish cuisine. The other one, I also walked by, and also saw on a blog is called Briarpatch. It was adorable! We sat outside and the only thing on my mind lately has been BREAKFAST. I don't know why! Anything breakfast! So I ordered the Rasberry and Brie Cheese filled French Toast. I have never seen a combination like this, and it was amazing! The portion was HUGE, I got 3 large pieces of bread and was only able to finish one of them. I brought the rest home and had them for dinner with strawberries on top!
Tonight I really wanted to go to sleep early, however I don't know if that will happen since I just napped for two hours! We are going to go print our Universal tickets for Monday. We can't decide to get one park, just to see Harry Potter or get both park access and just make a full day of it. Decisions, decisions!
I received a e-mail from active.com that directed me to a article from shape.com. The content was:
"6 Rules for Running Faster"
1. Start Out Slowly
Ironically, the first key to running faster is to start slowly. In both training and racing, take your time to build toward your goal. In training, spend time building your aerobic fitness and strength before racing ahead to speedwork. At the races, include a warmup to activate your muscles and gradually build into your race speed. The gains you make from easing into both training and racing will help keep you injury-free, help your performance progress at a rate your body can handle, and allow you to reach a higher fitness peak.
2. Focus on Form
The time you invest in focusing on your form will pay off in free speed. Proper running form is both efficient and economical. Watch a video of the best runners and you'll notice very little wasted energy, as every movement serves to push them forward. Aim for relaxed arm carry, strong push off and faster cadence to make the most of your running form. Identify any weaknesses in your form, then address them with drills or strength exercises at least once a week.
3. Follow a Plan
Enlist the help of a coach, reputable book or training program. While many athletes are willing to do the work, often the work is inconsistent or improperly timed, which means inconsistent or slow results on race day. Avoid working too hard or too fast too soon. Remember, in training and fitness (and in comedy), timing is everything. A plan will help you reach your goal with the right balance of training so you arrive at your race fit and rested enough to peak.
4. Disconnect to Connect
Every once in awhile, disconnect from technology (pace, heart rate, measured courses) to connect with how running feels. Learn to read your body's cues about what running slow, moderate and hard feels like. Focus on your breathing, the sound of your feet and the conversations in your head. Learning to understand and then manage these will improve your ability to pace yourself and race up to your potential.
5. Redefine Your Comfort Zone
Breaking through to a personal best requires discomfort. Once a week, redefine your comfort zone by getting uncomfortable. Hill work, fartlek runs, speedwork, running with a group or taking your run a little farther are all ways to create challenge and change in your running. With proper challenge, you'll find improved fitness and strength that help you achieve your running goal.
6. Be Limitless
Rather than asking yourself "why," think in terms of "why not?" Even the best runners had to take a first step toward their dreams. Envision yourself at the end of the year, or even a few years: Where would you like to be with your running? Then, determine how you'll get there. Set smaller goals en route to your bigger goals. Reassess your progress after every race or year, then work at your weaknesses until they become strengths.
I will try a few of these. I always start out fast, so I wonder if I should start out slower. Also, I don't really follow any "form", I wonder if I did my wrists would hurt less. And finally, maybe I should try a few runs without a ipod, watch, etc. Just to run. Why not?
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