Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Alaska Run For Women

I have exciting news, everyone!

 photo taken from akrfw.org

I just registered for the Alaska Run for Women. I was supposed to participate last year, but my roommate (who wasn't my roommate at this time last year) could not be convinced to participate, and so I watched very sadly as the runners made their way through mile four, disappearing under the road, and reappearing on the other side, nearly victorious and accomplished. I vowed to myself that I would not let this opportunity go by me next year.

Then I promptly forgot about it and continued on with my same lifestyle. Over the months, I still recieved emails from them, and I still remembered the promise, that I was always quick to forget again.

Finally today, I realized that I am on a new path, and my new path requires a certain ammount of output from me in order to be maintained, and expanded upon. What a revelation to realize! I know I can do this, this time around. I'm not trying to convince anyone to participate with me this time around, because its not about group involvment on my part. Sure, the walk and the publicity is for Breast Cancer research, but the accomplishment will be mine. That means everything to me this year.

So, knowing that I will be participating in a five mile walk, and knowing that I have done absolutely no training, I NEED ADVICE!

The walk/run is on June 12th, so I have a week to work on.... I don't know. What do I need to do to make sure I don't injure myself? Do I need to worry about pacing? Should I start walking 5 miles everyday until next Saturday? I do know that I'm doing the untimed walk, because I can't deal with the pressure of potentially being the last person across the finish line. I'm sure I've mentioned that it takes me about an hour to walk 2 miles. I'm sure I could probably increase that a little, but it might kill me. Any advice you all have to give me would be very much appreciated indeed. I can't wait to take pictures and blog about it!

I'm really super excited about this. I'm so happy I'm finally taking my life back.

7 comments:

Sam said... [Reply to comment]

How awesome!!! Good luck as you get ready. I"ve never done one, so I don't know what to advise you. I didn't realize you were in AK! I lived there for 18 months and LOVED it!! Where do you live?

Holly said... [Reply to comment]

Boost your protein levels, cut back on sugar. Diet will help prepare your body for the race. I would walk a bit between now and then. You definitely don't want to over do it because you will crash. Mostly, go in with the mindset of finishing and don't let anyone around you effect how you are doing. Focus on you! If others are fast and you are last, who cares. Someone has to be last. Be proud of you for getting to the point that you are at and feel proud of yourself for getting through the walk.

Can't wait to read how you did!

Happy Fun Pants said... [Reply to comment]

First of all, YAY for having your posts completely readable in Google Reader! :) I didn't even think about it yesterday when I read yours but it occured to me this morning when I was in the shower. Weird, I know.

Anyway, going from 2 to 5 miles is a really big jump in just one week so my advice would be to take it slow, to rest when you need to and to hydrate when you want to.

And I would probably have ice packs at your house for when you're done. If you're anything like me, your knees are going to hurt for the day.

Ana said... [Reply to comment]

Good Luck! I always find that I can go faster/farther on race day. Maybe it is the adrenaline. Do you have someone walking with you? Maybe you can find someone to go who can help with your pace.

I would also take an IB Profin before. It might help with swelling and knee pain. (Don't take this if they make you sick though!)

Oh, and take your own water bottle. The water stations are few and far between.

Greta from www.bigbottomblogger.blogspot.com said... [Reply to comment]

Hi Lily! Come read the comments I left for you over on my blog about the fat calculator link I had....I do not think it is accurate for you and I want you to have the best numbers possible for my challenge...and also have a better idea of where you are right now so you can accurately track it as you continue on your journey!

About the walk...I would recommend walking 2 miles tomorrow, then just 1 or 1.5 miles on Sunday. Then 3 miles on Monday, 1 mile on Tuesday, 4 miles on Wednesday, 1.5 mile on Thursday..then NO WALKING on Friday.

Hope that helps. And..yes...some alleve if you have any swelling or pain...and find a dollar store near you and see if they have Epsom salts. An hot Epsom salt bath after a long walk is the best!

Also..drink as much water as you can possibly drink between now and then...(and..always...but esp between now and then)

GOOD FOR YOU for signing up. AWESOME!!!

Greta from www.bigbottomblogger.blogspot.com said... [Reply to comment]

(I also totally agree with Holly bumping up protein and cutting out sugar!)

Lily Fluffbottom said... [Reply to comment]

Thank you all for the encouragement and advice!

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