Marion Runs The Frank Lloyd Wright 10K October 24, 2005
We live in the beautiful Chicago suburb of Oak Park, IL. One of the reasons
that we like it is because of the beautiful old architecture, interesting
homes, and the beautiful 4 seasons throughout the year. Today the 8AM temperature
was 40 degrees, a mixture of sun and clouds and the leaves on the trees
were shining gold, orange, and burgundy. For some, this setting was not
ideal, but being the alkaline blood type that I am, I was ecstatic at the
conditions. As those around me at the start appeared in long pants, hats,
gloves, and jackets – I felt a little self conscious in my shorts
and tank top (okay, I did wear gloves). I was a little cold at the start,
but as soon as I started the race, I was sweating. This was the first time
I listened to my inner self and did not get swayed by others around me.
My husband Ross was also dressed like he was in the frozen tundra, but
I did not let that sway me. I had been working throughout the last few
weeks to get my blood pH into the neutral range. Three
weeks ago the weather in Chicago was still very warm. Over the last few
weeks, as the temperatures went down, so did my blood pH. I usually eat
like a Hauser Diet Monkey – especially during the
warmer weather because of my alkaline blood pH. Lately I have been able
to eat more like a Hauser Diet Bear.
But I also have been making sure that I eat enough acidifying foods,
as well as take some Betaine HCl and Vitamin C a couple days prior to the
race, just to be sure! My blood pH levels over the last three weeks were
7.56, 7.52, 7.51 (two days before the race). Remember our neutral pH range
at Caring Medical is 7.50 to 7.52. I think getting my pH into the neutral
ranges helped me do better and feel good during the race today.
Today, a
lot of things went right for me – here’s what I did
to prepare:
| 1. |
I ate Performance cereal with soy milk and a small
glass of juice for breakfast two hours ahead of the race, but did
not drink coffee.
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| 2. |
I did not let a 20 mile bike ride the day prior to the race, as
well as the fact that we danced for 5 hours at our best friend’s
wedding on Friday night – sore feet, sore shins, sore back,
(but it was worth it!) – hamper my race.
|
| 3. |
We walked a mile over to the race start as a warm up. (We also
walked home as a cool down). So far the legs feel good!
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| 4. |
I listened to my coach (Pete Alfino at www.milehighmultisport.com)
over the last few months – I have been working hard on CORE
strength training and weight lifting, along with my running.
|
| 5. |
I worked on form during the run – I wanted to keep my foot
cadence up to 90 foot strikes per minute which is pretty hard for
me to do consistently, but my coach keeps me practicing it! I also
worked on good posture throughout the race – keeping my lungs
fully able to expand.
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| 6. |
Whenever I ran by people who were talking negatively, I tried to
focus and not think about what part of my body was hurting or if
the breathing was getting harder. I realize that the mind plays a
strong role in how well you do.
|
| 7. |
Stay positive – look at the beautiful scenery, focus on form,
know that my coach wanted me to finish in 1:05 or under. I know that
that time does not seem like anything great to some of you – but
it just goes to show that you have to start somewhere. I felt good
during the race, I paced it well, the temperature was awesome and
I dressed well for it, my time was 2 minutes under my goal at 1:03!
So the moral to the story is – put in your time with the training,
you can do it if you set your mind to it, and do everything you can
to prepare. Until the next one! |
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