Yesterday’s workout was starting off great: I was full of energy and feeling inspired. I even took a pre-WOD *workout of the day* selfie!!!
I was in the midst of enjoying my 8 km run and thinking about a paragraph from Spartan Up! I read on my way back home from work: “… once you think you are done running, you still have eight days left in you. The same goes for life. If you think you are maxing out, you have no idea how much fuller and richer life could be. Spartan Race offers a glimpse into your own unlimited potential.” In other words, some pretty cool motivational stuff. And there was this beautiful sunset…
But something went wrong in between of me doing push-ups and a set of squat jumps in the middle of a bike path *It rained and I thought it was a better alternative to a puddle in the grass*. All of a sudden, I was sprinting like there was no tomorrow. No, I wasn’t running for my life nor was I trying to bring out my untapped potential…
I know, I know, you don’t really care to know much about my bowel movements, but… THANK GOD for that Tim Horton’s which appeared out of nowhere!!! *I’ll stop right there for your sake and avoid all grizzly details. HAHA!*
Okay, one more thing. When I reached the coffee shop, there were pretty mixed emotions raging between…
And…
This is how you know that I am still a newbie to running: I had a nice quinoa salad with chickpeas, tomatoes and cucumbers about an hour before my run. BIG, BIG, BIG MISTAKE! I was in so much pain. What I was thinking? Yet, I am glad that I was able to finish my workout.
I really liked the following pre-race advice from Runner’s World, which could be applied to any of your daily long runs too:
- reduce the fiber you consume in the few days before the race;
- avoid fresh fruit or salad the day before your race because of their fiber content;
- check out the race course and see if any port-a-potties are marked, or if there are gas stations or convenience stores along the way for pit stops. If not, pick your bushes wisely! Always carry a small plastic baggie with wet wipes in them for emergencies. Pack a towel and a complete change of clothes in your gear bag too;
- when bathroom issues seriously threaten to interfere with your race, one option for some is taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication before the race.
What kind of food doesn’t settle well with your stomach when eaten before a run?
xoxo
Olena
candies & crunches 