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Pre-Race Day

So tomorrow I will complete a Mud Run/ Warrior Challenge Obstacle Course. The running portion won't be that difficult for me as it is 7 kilometers. However, the obstacle course will be challenging for me (hence the name warrior challenge). I am not concerned about my time and am focusing on being able to complete it.

I do change a few things in my routine leading up to a run or race to help me the day of:

1. Increase my carbohydrate intake.
Increasing your carbohydrate intake can help you exercise for a longer period of time at a higher intensity. This is because your muscles store carbohydrates in the form of glycogen. The more glycogen is stored, the longer it will take for your body to deplete its body's preferred energy source (glycogen). This will help prevent fatigue in long endurance events.

2. Increase my electrolytes and water.
You can easily become dehydrated during your run or race especially if they don't have water on the course. Increasing your water and electrolytes can prevent dehydration. This does not mean not to drink water the day of! Some people use Gatorade to increase their electrolytes but instead of drinking all the sugar that comes with Gatorade I mix some Pedialyte with water.


3. Decrease fiber.
Fiber can cause an upset stomach. You don't want to be in the middle of your run or about to start the race and have to run to the restroom. Decreasing the amount of fiber you eat can help prevent stomach upsets.

4. Cut out certain types of animal/ dairy products.
The same reasoning as fiber. Animal products don't bother some people but certain types of animal products can irritate my digestive system especially when I'm exercising. This mostly includes milk, eggs, and cream. I eat less eggs and the day before the race I don't eat any. I also substitute coconut milk for cow milk.


5. Make sure the day before is rest day.
You don't want to do a race or run sore from yesterday's lifting session. Take a rest day and go into race day feeling refreshed and ready to rock it!

I am nervous yet excited for tomorrow! I can't wait to post pictures and write about it!

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