I wanted to train correctly
Training in a similar environment - knowing it would be hot and humid in Orlando even in September, That could not be savedand that it was a night race, I started training in June to prepare my body for the humid conditions. On race day, it was extremely hot and I knew the race would be a killer, but I knew my body would quickly adapt to the humid conditions because I had been training for the past 4 months in the same environment.
Train efficiently and prevent injuries - Since this was the longest race I had ever run,Married for ten years White orchid I wanted to train correctly, and avoid injury as much as possible. My training regimen included alternating running and walking, and occasionally do my longest run/walk 8 miles at a time, all while keeping a 16 minute mile pace (which is a requirement according to Disney race regulations). The week of the race, I alternated my running days, completing 6 miles at a time. I knew on race day I would be prepared but also would be challenging my body to complete 2 miles more than my longest run.
Eat right - I also prepared my body in the weeks prior to the race by fueling it with the right amounts of carbs and proteins. Of course my diet was a little thrown off while in Disney the week before the race, but I tried my best to stay on track.On the way homeI made sure to snack between meals to keep my metabolism going and to give me the energy needed for the race. On the day of the race my diet was primarily food with protein and fiber to keep me full longer as well as complex carbohydrates to sustain energy.
During the race stick with what you have been training with - Prior to the race, I drank water before, during and after my training runs; thinking that water only stations would be set up along the race course. But when I went to grab my first cup of water I noticed they also had Powerade. Feeling extremely dehydrated, I thought the Powerade would replenish my electrolyte supply quicker so I grabbed a cup as well. Good idea? Not really. Although Powerade is a fine drink, my body had an adverse reaction to it, since it wasn't part of my training regimen, and I quickly felt nauseated which started to create fear that I wasn't going to finish the race. Only after walking the next mile and downing two cups of water at the next station did I start to feel better. Lesson learned was keep everything the same on race day that you used during training.
Rest - Finally, make sure you get plenty of rest the day before and on the day of the race. We decided to go to one of the theme parks the day of the race. Again, not such a great idea because by the time the race started at 10:00pm, The four seasons fragment we were tired and exhausted. I was regretting not taking it easy that day by sleeping in late and not really doing much so that my body could be fully rested.
