BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Tips to Get You to the Finish Line

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about the day we've all been training for.... race day!!!! I don't know about you but I'm super excited that the Bass Pro Marathon Weekend is just around the corner!! And to help you make it to the finish line on Sunday, I've consulted the experts (better known as your Bass Pro Pacers) and asked them for some tips to increase your chances of joining the post race party. And this is what “the experts” had to say:

Trust your training and just enjoy the experience. - Charlie 

Start 20 to 30 seconds slower than race pace to warm up. Easy on the ups. Use gravity on the downs. Hydration early before you think you need it.... Finishing is winning - Erika

Have fun and smile!... it will help to keep your form relaxed and decrease the effort. - Melissa N. 

Enjoy what is on the course... the crowd, the aid stations, the fall beauty. - Janet

Remember that you don't HAVE to do this. You GET to do this. - Larry 

Simply breathe and trust your training, but if you didn't train, just go with it and enjoy!! - Fina

Have a good poo before you leave the house. - Adam Irvin

Now is the time to Shine

Training Miles🏃🏻‍♂️‍➡️🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️ 

Summer Runs

Miles with Friends  

Goodnight Rest - Brad

For those doing Run-walk-run “May you Run-walk-run like the wind with me in the 5:45 group.” Also your main prep meal/s are two days prior on Friday and it is always important to start to hydrating starting 3 days before- David

Never trust a fart…especially during a marathon.- Chris

Have fun! - Kathy

Do a really easy half mile run before you line up so your legs are warmed up and ready. Or a nice stretch works too. - Randy

Just remember to have fun!! - Rachel

The only person who needs to believe in you, is you. - Kayla

Don't forget the body glide. Especially if the forecast bears out and we get rain. Wool socks are good for that too.- Lali

When it get tough, just run the mile you’re in. Don’t get overwhelmed by the distance to the finish. It’s a blessing to run, enjoy! - Jeff

And now on to my tips (I couldn’t narrow it down to just one)…

Address your nutritional and hydration needs before they address you and avoid going out too fast. This is the best way to keep yourself from hitting "the wall" physically. And then guard your joy at all costs! This is the best way to avoid hitting "the wall" mentally. After all a happy mind means happy legs. But... if you do hit a mental wall (and every runner will at one point or another), check out these tips for pulling yourself out of it:

• Focus on the crowds, the scenery (it will be beautiful!), putting one foot in front of the other. Listen to music, think about the parts of your body that do feel good – such as your arms – and give them a little shake out. 

• Positive self-talk and visualization play a huge part in any successful race strategy. Before the race begins, do some visualization exercises in which you do hit a mental wall and lose confidence – now picture yourself dealing with it effectively and overcoming it. Have a mantra that you repeat to yourself: something supportive like “I’ve got this”, “I am strong, I am capable”or “I can make it to the next mile".

• Remember why you're doing this and what group you'll be a part of once you cross the finish line. It's estimated that less than 1% of the global population has ever run a marathon or half marathon. That means whether you're running for charity, in memory of someone, or running for yourself, it's a phenomenal, lifetime achievement and will put you in the coveted 1% running club. You could also write down the reasons you're running or the names of the person or people you're running for and look at these when you need a boost to keep going. Write them on your arm or laminate them and keep them in your pocket, hydration vest, or fanny pack.

• Have an upbeat playlist ready. Music is a great motivator! Even if you don't normally listen to music on your runs, have this ready to go just in case. 

• Last but not least, if you can no longer run... walk. And keep walking all the way to the finish line. You'll be so glad you did!

And there you have it friends. It's time to put your training to the test, have some fun, score some cool bling, and make some new friends along the way. So get your bags packed and be ready to use some of these tips so you can join the party at the finish line! Happy Running!