26 | October | 2013 | Chocolate Covered Race Medals

~~Travel to Saint Louis~~
~~Get to expo~~
~~Eat carbs~~
RACE!

3 PM and we’re already done with the bulk of my check list :).

We went to the expo this afternoon at about 1130 this morning.

The expo was crazy busy — but I guess I kind of forgot how Rock n’ Roll races are. For Steamboat our entire expo was in one small room, and packet pick up in another. That was it.

Today — definitely a different story. The expo was held at the America Center in downtown, which is connected to the Ed Jones Dome, The major St Louis convention center and where the Ram’s play football.

The expo was well organized, but tight, busy and a little hard to navigate. I was a little surprised that there weren’t any real freebies, but all the big names were there and you buy really anything and everything you’d need for race day.

We spent about 45 minutes at the Expo, picked up my bib, a 13.1 charm, and running top. Thank you parents :).

After the expo we ran to Goodwill to get a throw away jacket for tomorrow morning.

It’s expected to be in the low 40’s and dark before the race, so I’m planning on having throw away gloves, a hat, jacket and sweat pants to ditch before or during the race.

I plan to run in running shorts, a tank top, sleeves and compression socks. Fingers crossed this works.

Now I just need to get that playlist going . . .

We made a quick stop at an Asian fusion restaurant for everyone to get lunch. I ended up just getting edamame hummus and pad thai to eat for dinner tonight. Salt and carbs, perfect.

A, B, C Goals for Tomorrow

With my anal tendencies, it’s important to have goals going into tomorrow.

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about A,B,C goals for races. The A goal being something that you could possibly reach if the stars all collide and it’s an absolute perfect day. B being a little more realistic, but still challenging, and C pretty guaranteed.

Here are my A,B,C goals for the race tomorrow.

A: Sub 2:00 half marathon. Even by a second.
B: PR (2:10 half)
C: Finish.

I would say the chances of me NOT finishing are slim to none, so C is pretty guaranteed. I’d say I’m optimistic about a B goal…and goal A? Well it would take something really special at this point. And while I’m really uncomfortable even admitting that I’ve even hoped to hit that goal this race, I figure putting it out there and admitting it will help to keep me pushing tomorrow when the going get’s tough.

And that’s it guys. Those are my goals for tomorrow. Here.We.Go.

Question of the afternoon: More motivational lines or approaches 🙂

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I made it safe and sound to Saint Louis about 1030 Central last night, no problem.

My plane food and snacks, book, and sparkling water made the flight a breeze, and before I knew it we were landed — just like that.

As always, it was great to see my parents and we sat at home (me eating a delicious pumpkin cookie) chatting and catching up until about 1230 when I decided I should probably get some sleep.

Is it ever weird for anyone else to sleep in their old bedroom?

I’ve moved in and out of this house a couple times between college, grad school, Chicago etc., so my room has been what is now the guest room, the basement, the back room — everywhere, ha.

But it never fails that when I’m here alone (with out Zach), and I sleep upstairs, an element of deja vu always creeps up. Thankfully it didn’t affect my sleep at all. I feel asleep without problem after reading a chapter or two of Allegiant and didn’t wake up until I had to go to the bathroom around 8 AM.

This Morning

I had it planned that I would get a couple miles in around my old neighborhood to shake out the legs, and give my lungs a chance to feel the sea level air.

I got out of bed about 830 (when I started to hear my parents downstairs), and got dressed in one of my 18 running outfits I brought with me.

Seriously, does anyone else pack a TON when they travel for races. I have enough clothes for half the participants I swear. Oh well…

I did a few minutes of dynamic stretches (10 lunges, 10 push ups, and 10 bridges), then headed out the door.

Workout of the day: 2 mile shake out run

Splits

Mile 1: 924
Mile 2: 9:11

My neighborhood is fairly flipping hilly, so I felt pretty good about these splits. My first couple of miles are always slow — so I’m hopeful after these split times. If I can keep up those paces, I definitely have a PR in me tomorrow.

Today

I showered up quickly after my room so that I could get this day rolling. And now, my parents are both getting a few things done while I eat a delicious CINNAMIN CRUNCH BAGEL (my fav! Thanks, Dad!) with some coffee until we head out to the expo.