Am I really running a half tomorrow?

Preparations are underway for the Thunder Road half marathon.

I am seriously in disbelief that I’m running a half tomorrow. I know I mentioned this in yesterday’s post but after Marine Corps, Thunder Road seemed so far away. I thought it would be easy to PR but now that’s not seeming so likely. My current half PR is from last year’s Thunder Road (1:57) and I’m still hoping to beat that but if I get out there and find that I’m not feeling it, I’m just going to refocus and have fun.

Brandon is meeting me at the finish (no matter how many races I run, I still need him there if I’m going 13.1 +) and then we’re heading to mile 24.5 to cheer with the lululemon crew. I know from experience that is a painful point in the marathon and I can’t wait to “pay it forward” and encourage all the marathoners.

I am excited to race again tomorrow but will be taking a break from training for the rest of the winter. There are other things that I would like to focus on and want to enjoy just running when I feel like it, not because I have to.

I have pretty much failed at properly fueling myself for the run – let me demonstrate.

It all started at 12:30 with my company Christmas lunch. How could I say no to a champagne cocktail?

We had an amazing lunch spread catered by The King’s Kitchen. I loaded my plate with veggies (and carbs!).

Spinach risotto, roasted carrots, mac and cheese, a divine buttery biscuit, panzanella salad and collards. I was really pleased to learn that our lunch was being catered by The King’s Kitchen – I am a big proponent of the chef behind it and the mission of the restaurant.

“The King’s Kitchen is an outreach of Restoration Word Ministries managed by Jim Noble Restaurants that donates 100% of profits from sales to feed the poor in Charlotte, the region, and the world. Additionally, The King’s Kitchen partners with area ministries to provide employment opportunities to Charlotteans in search of a new beginning.”

We had a huge dessert spread with various treats from all over the city. Although I was still on a sugar high from last night’s cookie exchange, I still managed to try some desserts. It was tough but necessary. 😉

I had a pumpkin bar and red velvet cake ball along with an unpictured lemon bar and a small bite of cherry cobbler. Yum, yum, yum! We had such a nice and inspiring afternoon – I am so very lucky to work with such talented and friendly people in a creative environment.

I was not really hungry for dinner tonight after my big lunch. Nothing sounded good so I ended up eating a quesadilla because I was making one for Brandon.

Not ideal for carb loading but I’m trying to keep a relaxed attitude about tomorrow’s race. I’ll have my normal peanut butter and banana toast breakfast tomorrow and be good to go. I’m also taking a GU for the course. I usually don’t take them unless I’m running over two hours but am making an exception tomorrow if I end up pushing it. I know I’ll need the extra kick to finish (especially since mile 11 is ALL uphill!). It’s a tough course!

Quick sidenote…here is our blogger group photo from the cookie exchange last night!

Time for me to get to bed. Race recap tomorrow!!!