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Have Fun, Go Mad


"I'm not a waiter!"

So said my niece Isabelle when she was just 3. She wasn't trying to be cheeky or rude. She just simply didn't like waiting. So she told us.

"I'm not a waiter!"

This week, I know how she feels.

The days to my half marathon in Stafford are going so slowly. The last week has seemed incredibly long. Now, there are just two more days to go. Its all about the wait.

I've read my half marathon training guide from start to finish, concentrating this week on the chapter on "race week". There's nothing left to read.

I've picked out my outfit - pink running top, black running tights, pink socks. I've even got hot weather and wet weather contingency plans.


I've got a box of safety pins ready, so there'll be no excuse for my race number not staying attached.

I've stocked the house with good carbs, so I can carb load for the next few days. I've even planned our menu for Friday and Saturday to get the best combination of pre-race carbohydrate-rich energy food.
I've cut back on my training, running just 6 miles this week, compared with the 25-30 miles that I was running two weeks ago. I'm struggling to cope with the enforced rest. Me, yes me. Complaining about not running. How did that happen?

I've sorted and my snacks and refreshments for pre, during and post race energy.


I've read Rhalou's alternative race day tips on the Women's Running website. I'll be wrapping up my Jelly Babies in foil on Saturday.

I've discussed race day tactics with the girls from Potters Trotters - thanks for all the advice - and worked out my planned split times for 3 miles, half way and 10 miles.

I've made a sign, with my name on it, to fix to the back of my shirt, so hopefully I'll hear lots of people shouting "Come on Lizzie" during the race.

Thanks to Kirsten, I've sorted out a lift to Stafford on race day.

There is really nothing much else I can do but wait.

Like Isabelle, I'm not a waiter.

But on Sunday, we'll find out whether I might actually be a runner.


Happy Running

LizT

PS The title of these week's blog post is my mantra for race day. I'm determined to enjoy the experience, whatever happens. I'm going to have fun, go mad!

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