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Racing as Part of Your Marathon Training

What is the purpose of racing before a big race? After all, when your eye is on the big prize, the 13.1 or the 26.2, why would you want to do a race BEFORE the race? Well keep reading because I've got some GREAT reasons for you to embrace including races, such as Super Jock and Jill, in your training. 

The benefit of these races is twofold; you get the opportunity to get the "feel" for how race day will go, and you get to test out your gear. 

For some of us that means learning how to drink at the water stations; slow down, grasp cup firmly, but not too firmly, squeeze top of cup to make a pour spout, attempt to get more water IN you than ON you. 

For others we got to taste a new flavor of Clif Shot and practice carrying the 3/4 full gel packet to the nearest garbage without breaking stride or making too many "Ick, they expect me to EAT this stuff???" faces. 

Still others may try out new shoes or socks with varying degrees of success. 

Everyone, I hope, will get the opportunity to bid a farewell to summer in an upbeat, healthy way! 

Running the Super Jock and Jill or (for some of us) the Disneyland Half Marathon will give us a chance to deal with some of the logistics of race day in a "shorter" race. (Did you ever think you'd refer to as a 4 or 13 mile race as "short?") Go into it calm and knowing that you've trained and you're ready. This isn't your "A" race, so you don't have any pressure on you. Just go, have fun, make note of what worked and what didn't. 

Again let me warn you, do not hit the finish line and think "Oh NO! You mean I have to do TWO of these?! I can NEVER do a full marathon!" A marathon and a half marathon are TWO entirely different races. You're NOT ready for a marathon yet, so don't stress if you don't feel ready, and don't let Sunday's race make you fear the full if that's your goal! 

I have read that 60% of adults do not exercise on a regular basis, and only 4% of the population ever attempts to run a marathon. This puts us in some pretty good company, kids! 

Marathons are awesome. Marathoners have mettle that most people won't ever even dream of (and won't know what they're missing because of that). To me, a marathon is a celebration of health. I push my body further than my formerly flabulous self could have ever dreamed. I can run on the same field as Kenyans and Olympic Marathoners, yet run my own race never apologizing for my speed (or lack thereof). There aren't a lot of other sports you can do that. Nobody has invited me to play soccer with Mia Hamm, and if I decided to suit up and go play with the Seattle Storm, I do believe I would be politely escorted from the place. So us "four percenters" are not only made of all the right stuff, but we have opened up for ourselves opportunities that others only dream of. We are the Dream Team because we dream! 

Have a wonderful race! I will be racing in Anaheim with two of my favorite people; Roy (he's my most favorite), and my older sister, Kim. I am SO excited about that race, but I have to admit...I am going to miss running with you guys at Super Jock and Jill. I love that race and I hope you enjoy it as much as I usually do! 

Race on!