Yoga was amazing.  I tried to clear my mind of all distractions once I walked into the studio.  But, images of tomorrow’s race kept flashing before my eyes! I went into child’s pose several times instead of doing difficult poses with the class just to calm myself down.  Afterwards, I felt so relaxed and joyful.  My hips and legs feel quite loose, too!

Since we’re entering a grocery-related crisis in my household, I hit the grocery store on my way home.  Around 10:30, I had two plums.

Type A Runner

Then, I set to work organizing myself for tomorrow’s race.  The race is in Jacksonville, which is about 2.5 hours from my house.  I printed out directions to my parents’ hotels and to the starting line.  I used Google Earth to check out the course map and get my bearings.

Next up–I packed! I’m a little Type A (in case you couldn’t tell, ha ha!), so packing is always a struggle.  I want to make sure I have EVERYTHING I could POSSIBLY ever need.  🙂 I’m like a Bridal Boy Scout.

I called our hotel to see what time the breakfast buffet opens, and boy oh boy—am I glad I did! The buffet doesn’t start until 7:00 AM! That’s when my RACE starts.  So, not only did I need to pack snacks for the weekend (I’m staying there until Sunday), but I also needed to pack a pre-race breakfast.

I packed: two slices of WW bread, 3 tablespoons of PB, 2 scoops of Muscle Milk Light, three Z-Bars, 1 Pure Protein bar, and 4 bananas.  I also threw in some almonds (not pictured).  It’s unlikely that I’ll eat all of this, but as I said–it’s better to be prepared!

I also packed a mid-race snack to ensure I stay fueled throughout the 13.1 mile haul!  During my 15K, gummi bears worked quite nicely.  This time, I’m trying 150 calories worth of Jelly Bellys, which I sealed in a plastic baggie using a lighter and will safety pin to the inside of my shorts.  I’ll eat around mile 6.0 or 7.0.

I also packed: my heart rate monitor, a water bottle, glucosamine and calcium supplements, pain killers (just in case; knock on wood that I won’t need them), hair bands, directions, and sunscreen.

And of course, I packed running clothes, make up, toiletries, sneakers, a pillow (hotel pillows freak me out), etc. :)  Pretty much the only thing I’m not taking is coffee, because I know they’ll have a little machine in the hotel room.

Lunch

One last home-cooked meal before a weekend of random snacks and restaurant food–I knew I’d better make it count! 🙂

I had baked tofu, cous cous, and leftover broiled brussel sprouts.

I rubbed the pressed tofu in chili powder and pepper.  We’re out of honey, and I must admit I was pretty disappointed I couldn’t make the Perfect Baked Tofu.  But this was pretty good!

And…. I’m off! I’m stopping at David’s Bridal to pick up my Future Sister in Law’s bridesmaid dress (she lives in London). Then, I’m hitting the road!  Posting may be slightly sporadic this weekend, but I’ll have Internet access so expect a pre-race dinner post later tonight! And stay tuned for my big post-race recap tomorrow morning!

I know a few of you are also running races or triathlons this weekend as well, so good luck! And if you aren’t signed up for anything official–well, there’s always the Neighborhood 5K.  🙂