Run with Megan – Lots of Rest and Carbs!

We’re heading into week 8 of my journey… also known as RACE WEEK! It’s here folks and I couldn’t be more excited!

Here’s what I’ll be tackling this week:

Sunday – Off
Monday – 2-3 miles
Tuesday – 3-4 miles
Wednesday – 1-2 miles
Thursday – Off
Friday – 1-2 miles
Saturday – 10 miles! It’s race day, baby!!

Sleep… and pasta! All of my training friends have been saying to get some really good sleep the few days leading up to the race! Good rest is so important! Also, please please please stay away from fried food. I’ve always heard to carb-load… pasta meal anyone? Well, here’s what course director, Danny Boyers, says, “The pasta meal scenario is really important a couple days prior to the run, the night before won’t do you any good. It’s all part of the carb-load cycle – you really need to start about 2 days out. For a marathon, I suggest 3-4 days before the race. The night before, you just want to get something in you that your body is going to agree with.”

Oh, and hydration. Start hydrating heavy a couple days out (thanks for the advice, Danny!!). Light Gatorade and water will do you some good.

Let’s talk about race day. Drink something early and stop 1 hour before the race starts. Compliment that with a banana and a piece of toast. Don’t overdo it, definitely stay away from dairy, and just remember – eat something your body will agree with. Did I say no dairy? I mean it!

Please do not wait until after September 21 at 11:59 a.m. to register. I want you to save your $30-35 (that’s how much registration increases by at noon) and treat yourself to a nice post-run/walk meal. You deserve that much for finishing the race, don’t you? I think so. I’ll make it easy and provide the link to register.

I’ll see you in just a few days!

Megan Dice is the host of Good Morning Virginia/Midday on ABC 13.
31 countries seen, coffee snob, golf player, farm owner, snowboarder.