Chapter 2 page 408 - Gettin' motivated to Rock Chicago

As you may remember, I had laid out a multi-level plan to be successful during the Chicago RnR half this past Sunday.  As I described the plan last week, I'm sure it sounded over-the-top and full of non-racing hoopla; however, the plan worked perfectly for me.  Here are some photos of "what it took" to help me succeed:

1st - having a crazy training partner is always helpful.  "C" wasn't able to do this race with me so she did the next best thing - she cut a photo of herself out and glued it to a Dilly Bar stick!!!!!

She's nuts isn't she?

Here are "C" and I in line for the porta john then we're "heading" (ha!) to the starting line!!!

2nd - it's all about the accessories.  You know how I like matching my nails to my outfit - I doubled up for this race to paint them pink and overcoated it with sparkle paint.  SWEET!  

3rd - wear a costume that will spark conversation and bring smiles . . . and embraces my love of pink . . . princess - SCORE!  A tutu - check; A crazy tulle pony tail holder - check; a tiara - check (this is a great story - check out my expo post later this week to hear how Rachel & Rebecka from Bondi Band saved the day); pink, pink, and more pink - check! (shirt, compression sleeves, shoes).  I wasn't able to work out the princess sash ribbon (boo!) - the bib was just too big!

4th - lifesavers . . . candy that is.  "C" hooked me up with a variety pack of lifesavers to eat at each mile.  Turned out the package included 13 different flavors.  How fab - one per mile!!! I had one of each flavor packed ready to go except I struggled to open the wrapper so I only ate 2 - but they were hugely helpful when I ate them at mile 10 & 11.  

5th - write motivational sayings on my arm so I can read them over and over until either I cross the finish line or start to believe them!  MOA (you'll learn more about her soon I promise) was soooo kind to do a little skin graffiti on me!

That is the saying from "I'm A Sleeper Baker"  - LOVE it. . . Thanks Molly!

The 4 quotes I used were:
A.)  You are capable of more than you realize!  (Molly @ I'm a Sleeper Baker)
B.)  Run hard, be strong, think BIG! (Percy Cerutty)
C.)  All it takes is all you've got! (Marc Davis)
D.)  It only hurts up to a point and then it doesn't get worse! (Steve Prefontaine)

 6th - stay on track with pacing.  This race was really suppose to be a slow, easy training run in prep for my September half (as you know I'm doing 4 halfs, in 4 months, in 4 states - Chicago was the first of them).  I opted to put a 3:10 pacing guide on my arm so if I was a little slower, it would still be alright . . . UMMMM, yeah, I went a little faster instead :)  

7th - Have your training partner send you a tear provoking text while you are setting out your gear minutes before bed that is just too awesome NOT to put on your arm . . . by your watch so you'll look at it hundreds of times during the race!!!!  She used the letters in my name (Lisa) to make a motivational saying "Look I'm Super Amazing!".  Perfect!  Thanks "C" for the last minute pep talk!!!!

8th - have awesome friends, including bloggers, send you cards, emails, texts, and pictures that were so motivating.  I re-read each of them prior to going to be the night before the race.  Each one was special and meaningful.  Thanks girls!!!!   One of my FAVS was a sign from my newest little follower who sent a sign saying "Run like the wind . . . or a gentle breeze"  PRECIOUS!!!!  Thanks to everyone for your support!  Seriously couldn't have done it without you!!!

9th - Call your training partner between miles 7.5-8.25 just to tell her how you're Kicking Chicago's A##!!!!  She was able to give me feedback about my pace (it was getting faster) and to discuss my strategy change for the final 3 miles.  She was a nice distraction and helped that middle section of the race pass quickly.  I honestly can't believe I was able to call her - that's just too crazy . . . even for me.  Thanks girl for answering the phone and talking to me!!!  You're the best!!!