run the race.

"Do you not know that in race all runners run, but only one gets the prize?

Run in such a way as to get the prize."

I Corinthians 9:24 {NIV}

 Okay, so I did not win any prize when running the annual Thanksgiving Day 10K yesterday; however, I would like to think I ran in such a way as to win.

I have mentioned in previous posts my love of running,
and thought I would share how I
personally run my race...

1. Carb up the night before!  I dined on pasta and a breadstick...and plenty of water.

2. Get a good night's sleep.  For a new mama, six consecutive hours is awesome! :)

3. Small, healthy breakfast...with a little caffeine!  I had coffee, half a banana and half a bagel with peanut butter...and I made sure I ate more than an hour before the race.

4. Get there early!  Or at least early enough to hang out a little with other runners and get pumped up.  Runners are pretty crazy, awesome people with a lot of positive energy!

5. Have a sweet playlist on your iPod specifically chosen for your race.  My picks this year included:  Good Feeling {Flo Rida}, Moves Like Jagger {Maroon 5} and Super Bass {Nicki Minaj.}  Music that motivates is a must!

6. Focus on something important to you...especially during those stretches of the race that seem the hardest/longest.  The last mile I thought about my baby.  How I want to set a healthy example for him.  How I want us to have a tradition of running this race together someday {hopefully!}

6. RUN YOUR HEART OUT!  "Run in such a way as to get the prize."  I have found that it doesn't matter how long your legs are, how skinny you are, or often you run...the main component for doing well is running hard and having a heart to win.  And by win I mean run your absolute hardest.  Competing with yourself and going for a personal record.   Or heck, if you are competitive like me, trying to pass as many people as you possibly can.

7. Celebrate post-race!  For me, this time, that meant quickly getting home to drive a couple hours to a family gathering...but my runner's high lasted at least until I had enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner and time with the fam.

Much love and Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my blog friends...

I am thankful for YOU!

:)

g