Fun Facts Friday - Race Prep

Final Weight Workout (for a week)
Today was a weight day for me. I really wanted to get in all my weight workouts before vacation as I won't have access to weights. The condo does have a small gym with elliptical, treadmill, and recumbent bike.

I am taking along my resistance bands and a couple of Cathe DVDs (MMA Boxing and MMA Kickboxing) along with my weighted gloves. But no real weights. I am looking forward to some beach runs and beach bootcamp workouts (sorry Jason) as well.

Do you ever take DVDs, bands, or other workout gear with you on vacation? Do you workout on vacations?

Anyway, I wanted to get legs done, but didn't want to be super sore because I knew there would be a lot of sitting happening for the drive. It's not fun to have DOMS going on when you can't stand and stretch. I also wanted to hit back as well, so I started there with a giant set. I kind of messed up the weights so this time it was 3 x (8,6,10). I started with 10 minutes on the elliptical to warm up.

GS
Underhand barbell rows - 3x8
Pullovers - 3x6
Double-arm rows - 3x10

SS#1 3x8
Squats
Stiff-legged deadlifts


SS#2 3x8
Alternating lunges
Plie squats with low-end pulse


SS#3 3x8
Alternating side lunges
Calf raises 3x15

I finished with another 10 minutes on the elliptical then a stretch. And finally I get a rest day tomorrow! Woohoo! I am all packed up, and my brain is already at the beach.

Fun Facts Friday - Race Prep
I mentioned the other day that my friend is running an 8K tomorrow morning. I really wish we could be here to cheer him on. I think I'm a better cheerleader than actual race participant. I just get too caught up in the competition and it's no longer fun for me. The only consolation is the feeling of accomplishment from crossing that finish line. But I love to be supportive of my friends and their accomplishments. That makes me smile.

So, even though I don't love to race, I still have learned a few tips and tricks that have helped me over the years.  So, here are Heather's (non-professional) Race Prep tips.

• Hydrate - this doesn't mean drink gallons of water the morning of the race. Start drinking the water the day before!
• Rest - don't do a workout the day before a race. Trust me on this. I've even done workouts the day of race when it was an evening race. Hello dumbdumb.
• Lay out your gear - take the time the evening before the race to lay out all of your gear: clothes, shoes, bib, safety pins, even things like Body Glide and water bottles.
• Eat normally - just eat a normal, maybe slightly lighter, meal the night before. Make sure you don't eat anything that might upset your tummy of course.
• Eat breakfast - definitely eat the morning of the race. I like to eat a banana with some peanut butter at least an hour beforehand.
• Jog - get to the race with enough time to warm up. Do an easy job, some butt kicks, high knees...just loosen yourself up (also helps with nerves).
• Slow down (some) - this can be so hard. You get caught up in the excitement and blow it out the first mile. Try to relax and pace yourself. Pick it up towards the end instead.
• People watch - this helps the time go by and helps you to take your mind off any pain.
• Challenge yourself - while I do say slow down, I don't mean take it easy. It's a race, go for it. 

 What race tips/tricks do you live by?