TeamAlzheimers.org - Running The Distance To Make A Difference

The Finish Line

Here we are, just days to go before our big run! I think the last week is the hardest. We are now done with our long runs and have to figure out how to taper off...

Every year I go through this. Do I run at all this week? Do I do various other types of exercises? Do I stop all exercising and if so, when?

How should I eat? Do I continue to eat the same? Do I load up on carbs? If I change my diet, when should I do this? Should I start drinking more water?

What should I wear for the race; my new TeamAlzheimers running shirt? Or should I wear what I’ve been wearing for my long runs? It’s comfortable and it doesn’t chafe.

Naturally, I worry about hurting myself during this last week. One wrong step or over exertion and that could be all it takes. So I gingerly go through the motions every day thankful I made it through another healthy day.

It’s funny, I’ve been running this race for several years, but I agonize over all of this each and every year. I’ve tried variations throughout the years to see which one works best for me. Obviously, I have not found one yet.

Then I ask myself, why am I doing this? At one time my goal was to finish in less than 2 hours. Now, my goal is to finish. It’s amazing how things change as we get older. We tend to put less pressure on ourselves and enjoy what we have.

It’s funny how your mind takes over your body and how easily you can over analyze. Having said that, I think I’ll keep eating the same, wear what I’m comfortable in, stop exercising and go out and enjoy 13.1 miles and cross the finish line whenever I get there. Let’s face it, regardless of what I do, it’s the body that will wake up Sunday morning and decide how well it wants to perform for me. So, I will listen to my body.

If you’re hanging out on Sunday and are looking for some fun, come on out to Quechee and Woodstock and hang out on the side of the road. You’ll see 2500 of us crazies running by, each with our own reasons willing to push our bodies.

50 of us have a very specific reason for being out there. We are committed to a cause and have dedicated the past several months to this cause. There is nothing more rewarding then crossing that finish line after six months of training and raising money and knowing you have made a difference.

Happy Running!