If you live under a rock or maybe you just choose not to look at how horrific the news is all the time (I get that) you may or may not have heard that my home state of California has been on fire the last week. 

Devastating fires in both Northern and Southern California have ripped through towns, destroying anything in its path– killing over 70 people. 1,000+ are still missing. The smoke has been so bad that at one point San Francisco became the number one city in the world for worst AQI according to Reddit.

That being said… a lot of holiday festivities, outdoor shows and races were cancelled; including my very first half marathon.

At the time, AQI in Monterey, Ca was normal and the risk to run ratio was low so the race was still on despite leaving home where the AQI was well in the 200’s. So off to the EXPO we went– race packet in hand, and of course, leaving the #FearlessFitness trademark.

Mother Nature had a different plan for me and Saturday night at 8pm, the winds shifted and the smoke came in; the race was officially cancelled. I had my moment of being pissed, sad, and yes– I cried– then I got over it. I had to have some perspective on the bigger picture of what was happening. Plus, everything happens for a reason and running in smoky air was not on the training plan. It was the right call.

 

Though I did not run the race, the tips I recieved and the training that led me to that 13.1 have helped me tremendously so thought I would share my experience up until the part where I didn’t actually run it.

So here it goes, tips from the 13.1 I didn’t actually run.

1. Train: Start training early. I used MyRun App through UnderArmour and I had a run coach who helped with my training programming alongside my Crossfit schedule. I highly recommend Cross Training if you don’t already. Adding weights into your run routine will make you stronger and help with endurance. I can’t emphasize a training plan enough. Making sure you can run double digits up to the 13.1 is key both physically and mentally. Train in a similar environment that you would be running in as well.
2. Shoes: I never understood what a good pair of running shoes were until I was fitted by the experts at A Runner’s Mind. I used to run in some flat bottom, no support Nike Free’s and while those are great for just everyday walking around they did nothing for my particular feet. I have high arches and a odd stride. The team fit me for a specific insole and the Brookes Levitate (which I love) and each time I run it is like I am floating on clouds. Definitely made getting to those double digits way easier.
3. Nutrition: Now is the time to dial in on what you eat and really pay attention to what fuels your body. Eat for performance. I was not 100% strict here but the week and half leading up to race day I was definitely micro managing everything I put into my mouth.  I also fueled myself with the best supplements to help me recover. FNX Supplements not only are formulated for athletes but their products are formulated by athletes– so they know what is up. Check them out and snag 15% off your order with code: FNXFEARLESS 

4. Be Prepared: Literally be prepared for anything. Including cancellations. Study the route, know where your water stations are on route. Test your gear before the race (clothes, running packs, shoes etc). You do not want to be running with brand new gear and be uncomfortable.

Week of Race Day:

5. Deload workouts: I started to deload my workouts on Wednesday leading into the weekend with the race being Sunday. Monday and Tuesday I went to my Crossfit classes and Wednesday– Friday I did light cardio or yoga. Saturday I let my body rest completely.

6. Day/ Night Prior: What I had done was started hydrating two nights before, making sure I was fueling with water and electrolytes. When it came to “Carb loading” I ate high protein, higher fat in the morning and afternoon saving my carb heavy meal for dinner the night prior. Unfortunately the race was then cancelled so I then proceeded to eat my feelings, I recommend this if your race is cancelled. Might as well “live your best life.”

Since I did not actually run the 13.1– I can’t provide any insight on the actual route or experience… yet. The training that has lead me to the 13.1 has made me a better athlete over all and I know I can run 13.1, and I will once California stops burning and the AQI is not 200+. For now, enjoy some training tips and stay tuned for when this actually happens!

I am sure you are wondering what we did do since the race was cancelled..

Of course we ate and explored Monterey, Ca.

My favorite place we came across was a bagel house called Bagel Kitchen in Pacific Grove, Ca. The picture doesn’t even do this amazing concoction justice.

Though the race did not happen, so many memories were made and I am beyond blessed. We did receive our race medals and I do intend to run these miles virtually once the air is clear. For now, I will just live on the happiness that was shared between friends and loved ones on this smoky vacation down on the coast of Monterey, Ca.

Until Next time, live life, be fearless.

Coach Tina