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We're Back!Date: 03/04/09 Author: Planning for the 6th annual Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is in full swing. To keep you informed and entertained as you prepare for the May 15-17 weekend, you will receive a monthly newsletter from “Myles” and his buddies. Have an interesting/humourous running story you?d like to share? Email us at
media@bluenosemarathon.com and
it just may make it into the next newsletter. Love/Hate Running It?s counterintuitive to run in the winter. In fact, I?m pretty sure that I?m genetically predisposed to avoiding it. But with 11-weeks till I embark on a 21-kilometer odyssey, the physical imperative of training overwhelms my natural revulsion to being outside in sub-zero temperatures. If it weren?t for the fact that running was a catalyst for my major lifestyle change and loss of 40 pounds, my connection to the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon would be satisfied by staring dumbfounded at those who would run through the city streets, without being chased, on May 17. I love/hate running, a lot. I hate coming home at the end of a long day and knowing that I have to redress myself in winter running apparel and brave whatever Mother Nature is throwing at us. I love the look of disbelief my roommate gives me when I return, rosy-cheeked and exhausted while he momentarily wonders whether he should congratulate me or intervene. I hate that feeling of exhaustion where I anticipate imminent lung collapse, and yet, I love that it?s that feeling that allows me to order pizza without it weighing on my conscience. I love the sense of satisfaction when I finish a run, especially on those days when motivation is tough to find and I?m convinced conducting a root canal without anaesthetic on myself would be a preferable way to spend the time. I love getting into the “groove” of a good run and hate when it?s interrupted by an intersection?s poorly timed red light. My love of running is not a love of running in and of itself, my love of
running is based on running as a means to an end. Although I shake my head at
the act of running, I nod my head in eager agreement at what running has
provided me: self-discipline and the acknowledgement that hard work is directly
related to achieving one?s goal, whether it be weight loss, the adoption of a
healthier lifestyle, or your first half marathon. Finally, having understood the
benefits of running I reflect and think to myself, “perhaps running isn?t that
bad after all.” It?s then I look through my bedroom window where a thin pane of
glass is the only buffer between me and the snow flurries and freezing rain
outside. Working against my instinct I pull on my winter running tights and a
toque and head out, “11-weeks to go,” I remind myself, “11-weeks to go.” Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon on
Facebook Want to tell your friends to get their running shoes on and join the marathon? On the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon Facebook page, you can do just that. Show your support by signing up as a fan. Tell us what you?re looking forward to about this year?s event, or better yet, tell your friends that you?re hitting the streets and invite them to join you. In the weeks to come, marathon organizers will be using the Facebook page to
provide race news, media updates and info to volunteers and runners. So whether
you?re a spectator or a sprinter, search for us on Facebook or visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scotiabank-Blue-Nose-Marathon/55132121603 Fuel Up! A Runner?s Guide to Eating Well
You?ve trained for hours, run long distances and in the process, burned countless calories training for the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon. Now how do you ensure that your body will be properly fuelled, hydrated and ready to perform at its best? Pre-race During training, as well as leading up to race day, your daily diet should be high in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat. On the day before the event, you may choose to eat your biggest meal for lunch so that the food will have more time for digestion. For supper, enjoy a normal-sized meal and have snack before bedtime. Stay hydrated every day. Menu suggestion: Pasta in tomato sauce with ground chicken or turkey and a slice of bread. Race Day You will need to top off your energy stores before your race. As part of your training, you should practice eating before races to learn which foods in what amounts work best for you. Do not try any new foods the day of the race! On race morning eat a meal consisting of easily digestible carbohydrates along with some fat to stabilize your blood sugar level. Menu suggestion: Oatmeal or two pieces of whole grain toast with margarine and a banana. Post-race Continue to drink fluids and within 15 minutes consume carbohydrate-rich foods to replace your depleted glycogen stores as well as to minimize muscle fatigue the next day. You may also want to include some form of protein as it acts to repair and maintain your muscles. Menu suggestion: Water, fruit juices, high-carbohydrate sports drinks,
watermelon, grapes, low-fat muffins, dried fruit, cereal bars, egg salad or
peanut butter sandwich.
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