As the days draw closer to the annual Bridge to Brisbane (B2B) race, I find myself sitting here (in a very similar position to last year) contemplating the same old thought – WHY DIDN’T I TRAIN?
As always, I was super excited to sign up and get on board Brissy’s biggest fun run for the greatest of causes, but turning that enthusiasm into actual training and practice? Yeah, didn’t happen…and I only have myself to blame. Being the classic over-committer and stellar procrastinator that I am (as I’m sure a lot of us are!), B2B has crept up on me in a scary, unsuspecting way, usually reserved for clingy ex-boyfriends.
So, here I am, six days out from the big race, with new runners in hand and a whole lot of enthusiasm to boot, but no real training to my name (unless walking to brunch counts…).
So, what’s a girl to do? Look on the bright side, that’s what!
Here’s how I am going to make it to the B2B finish line:
1. MOVE IT, MOVE IT
First up – we must do some internal reflection (#realtalk) here. Considering there’s been ZERO training included in my schedule (as mentioned above), I’ve done myself a horrible disservice leading up to this Sunday. Fret not people! As I am going to lift my exercise game in this last week – nothing too strenuous, as I still want to conserve energy for the looming 10kms, but my goal is to walk everywhere. So, if you’re like me and a tad underprepared for this Sunday, get the heart rate pumping and stimulate that circulation by walking when and where you can.
2. MARKET RESEARCH
I am hopeful that my teenage movie marathon efforts have set me up for endurance success. So, I plan to watch a whole bunch of long distance marathon events on YouTube, as that will surely lend itself to a practical application, right? RIGHT?! (I’m trying it regardless).
3. DRINK UP
H20 is the go! Running 10kms in this ‘winter’ heat, is going to require a fair bit of hydration, so keep that water flowing – both on the day and the week prior to the event. I know I will be!
4. FIND YOUR MOTIVATION
My motivation? Is it to beat my sub 50min time from last year? Pfffft. Not going to happen. I’m telling you outright, the only thought getting me through the impending 10km’s is the after-race brekky I’ll be chowing down. So, find your food kryptonite and visualise a buffet of it waiting to be yours at the finish line. I’ll be thinking of a good ol’ smashed avo and sourdough!
In all honesty, you can take or leave any of my tips above, but the best advice I’ve been given is to have fun! Cliché, but true. Enjoy the good vibes that B2B has on offer year after year, put one foot after the other and you’ll be cruising through the finish line before you know it!