The night before goodbye and my my pre-race supplement.

Last night we did all of Brooke’s favorite things because we will be apart for 8 days starting today.   

She will be back for her bday and I am already looking forward to eating donut birthday cake and spoiling her like crazy.  

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Brooke chose the activities for the day:

1.  Pool time with one of her bffs.

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2.  Splash pad fun with my favorite backdrop of mountains.

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3.  Grilled cheese sandwiches (I had turkey) at Potbelly’s.  My world was changed once we finally got one of these restaurants in our area.  

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4.  A cup of sprinkles with a little bit of ice cream.  

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No sprinkle left behind.  She is definitely my child:

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5.  Lots of cuddles and 2 episodes of Princess Sophia.  

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Just a few more things to talk about today.

-I found my Horizontal Running Champion shirt (I don’t remember where I got it…) and I am wearing it in hopes that it will remind me to avoid vertical running today and tomorrow in order to recover properly.

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-You know you gave it your all in your race if you can’t move your leg an inch when your 2 year old does this.

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Pre-race.  We all have our pre-race rituals and we probably all stick to these rituals like glue.  We do things that may actually help us to preform better during the race and things that may not technically help us but since we think they will help us——>  they do.  That is where Beta-Alanine comes in for me.  

I’m not sure if this stuff actually does help me to run faster/longer or if the placebo effect is in full force when I take it but I think it really works for me.  I started using this while training for my first marathon.   A good friend recommended it, I did my research and thought what the heck?!  I took it before any of my 20+ mile long runs and the morning of the marathon and I have used it ever since.  I swear I feel a total difference when I take it but who knows if it is all in my head.  It may be a waste of money or it may actually help to counter muscle fatigue.   I don’t really know but it is a pre-race ritual (I take it about 30 minutes before the race starts) that I love and never skip.  Beta-Alanine claims to be a ‘dietary supplement that boosts muscle carnosine levels, a key fatigue-controlling factor clinically studied muscle pH buffer 3200mg dose to fuel performance.’  Just letting you know what I do—> I’m not a professional/nutritionist/doctor… I’m just a blogger:)  

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My other morning of a race ritual musts:

-Quadruple check that I have my race bib.  For some reason I always stress that I will show up to the race start without my bib.

-Strides.  About 15 minutes before the race I like to do 10 strides (about 20-30 seconds long) and I get faster with each one.

-Bread/bagel with jam for bfast and a honeystinger waffle about 30 minutes before.  Water and gatorade too.

-Lots of lip gloss (my favorite—>  here).  Like 4 layers of it.  I can’t stand my lips feeling chapped during a race.  

-Double knotting my shoes.

-A little prayer:)

-Beta-Alanine and usually some caffeine.

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Do you take any supplements?  What do they do?

What are some of your pre-race rituals?

Parents reading—>  what shows do your kiddos love?

What is the best part of your Wednesday going to be?

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61 comments

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I take a multivitamin and fish oil. Just basic ones.

The best part of my Wednesday is having nothing on my schedule besides a 10 miler! It’s gorgeous outside so I may be able to get a bike ride in as well!

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awww, that’s so nice that Brooke got to do all of her favorite things before she leaves! I’m sure she will miss you so much! I just take a multivitamin everyday, but no other supplements.

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Donut birthday cake sounds like a fun thing to look forward to. My oldest daughter’s birthday is Aug 14. Lately it’s all about the Disney channel for my kids.

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I go through mounds of vaseline, not only under my sports bra but also on my lips, actually mostly on my lips, I hate dry lips worse than just about anything.

Best part of Wednesday, it stopped raining! WooooooooooooHoooooooooooo

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Dry lips while running is the worst! I always carry chapstick of some kind during a race!

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I do a fish oil, multivitamin and probiotic. If I’m feeling lethargic I’ll add iron to the mix. Probiotic is essential when you’ve had c-diff twice!

I have a total paranoia that I am going to forget my bib and/or timing chip before a race. I will check it ten times just to be sure I have it.

Love that tshirt! That’s awesome!

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LOVE the horizontal running champ t-shirt, ha!

Strongs for the next 8 days. x

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I don’t know if this is considered a supplement, but I recently started taking saltstick caps. It helps so much in the heat! I used to feel nauseous and would cramp up a lot, but this completely eliminates that. I also just started drinking alpha amino acid after long/hard runs. Like you said, these might be placebo, but if they make you feel better so what!

On Wednesdays, the shelter where my mom and I volunteer hosts food trucks during lunch, so today I’ll be stopping by to meet my mom! Then, later today I’ll be meeting up with my running club. It’s going to be a good day :)

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I take a lot of supplements, actually: Vitamin C, Vitamin D, calcium, biotin, Omega 3 and iron. They are all yummy gummy chews, though :)

For pre-race rituals, I crinkle up my bib. I have to. I wad it up and make it really wrinkly before putting it on.

The best part of today is going to be yoga after work! I am going with a friend and super excited–I haven’t been in forever and need to!

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Gummy vitamins are the best things ever!!

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Amen to that!!

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I don’t take any supplements. I used to take fish oil, but I’ve switched to just trying to get everything from my diet.
Strides and a little prayer are my pre-race rituals as well! Plus checkingnmy list over and over again to make sure I didn’t forget anything.

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Brooke is too cute :) before races I eat Cheerios and yogurt and drink cytomax. If i can keep it done from the nerves! The best part of my Wednesday will be setting up my classroom with my mom!

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I take glucosamine which supposedly helps with joint health. I always eat the same thing the night before a race – gluten free penne pasta with olive oil, broccoli, and garlic. And I always double check everything is charged!

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Waking up, eating, and going back to bed even if it means eating at 3 am.
Best part of Wednesday is meeting a girlfriend tonight I haven’t seen in months.

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Brooke will be back before you know it!

I don’t take any supplements but I’m not interested about this one.

Best part of my Wednesday is going to be an acai bowl at lunch and a 6 miler after work!

Happy Hump Day!

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Gosh, I love her. :) I realllly like fitmixer aminos for before any race or event (it was crucial in my plankoff, I think!). It makes me feel like I can bench press a planet.

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I always double knot my shoes, one of the worst things would be having the laces come undone during a race! I am still figuring out my pre-race food…I like honey stingers but I need more than that for longer races. I don’t currently take any supplements, but I am always interested in reading about what other runners take and why.

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Brooke’s ideal day looks a lot like mine. Is that sad considering I’m 24? Either way can’t wait to see that donut cake!

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That horizontal running shirt!!!
I take a monthly b12 shot. As a vegetarian, it really helps!
Pre-race ritual: coffee and banana bread
Wednesday highlight: i just ran a super hilly route with great friends and I’m cooking dinner for my husband tonight!

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Love the coffee and banana bread selection!

Janae, you mentioned that your stomach felt heavy/bad in the first 5 miles – do you think it’s from what you ate? Have you experimented “outside-of-the-old-fashioned-runners-box”? :) I have such an iffy stomach, nothing settles right! But usually a raw granola bar or Larabar-like thing – with a little bit o’ coffee – does the trick…although that banana bread sounds likes a good idea. Particularly if homemade!

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I know each runner is so different, but this combo has worked well for me for the last few years!

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My girls love Sofia, doc mcstuffins, and super why. But they mostly only watch those on weekends or one of them in the mornings. They watch Stella and sam every night though. That’s a cute one and teaches them a lot about imagination and being friends with your siblings so I like it.

My pre race rituals are usually pretty short. I had more in high school but now it’s usually a little breakfast and a little prayer. I honestly forgot all about doing strides but that’s a good idea to pick back up.

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One of my go-to rituals before a race is to take a quick shower– always warms up the muscles and mind! Thank you for sharing your pre-race routine!

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I brought Chapstick to my last half marathon and I never used it! I was dying for it at my last half tho. Crazy!

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I take Omega-3, Catalyst, and thermoplus (both from Advocare) in addition to a prenatal since we are trying to get pregnant. The catalyst helps maintain muscle mass during exercise and weight management, helps support post-exercise muscle repair and recovery, aids in preserving muscle and energy levels during times of calorie restriction, and supports mental energy and focus. The thermoplus is a weight-loss enhancer and it supports the body’s ability to convert fat into energy, promotes a healthy metabolism, and helps suppress appetite. Some people may not want that but I exercise to lose weight and or maintain once I hit my target. I am currently heavier than I want to be right now so it is back to food tracking, changing up my workouts by including more strength training and making sure I stay on track with my supplements.

The best part of my day today was cardio bootcamp! Back out running on the road in the early morning moon in the South Texas humidity and our instructor pushing us the whole way through!

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I take beta-alanine for strength workouts but have never taken it pre-run before. I definitely notice a difference for strength workouts though.

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I don’t take any pre-race supplements but have tried one from Advocare and wasn’t impressed. I take a daily multivitamin.
I am also a “checker” the morning of a race to make sure I have everything. I will eat half a bagel with jam the morning of and coffee. Then a pack of Honey Stinger Chews 30 minutes before.
My step son is a Teenage Mutual Ninja Turtle Fan- he’s 7 :-)
Best part of my day- my 5 mile run this morning- sun shining, it was great!

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A donut birthday cake sounds wonderful! I hope these days fly by for you both!

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“I’m just a blogger” ha! I love that! Aren’t we all? I tell you what I think some bloggers know a lot more than some medical professionals from our experience with health, fitness and injuries. Enjoy your day!

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i’ve never heard of that supplement but am definitely going to do some research…

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Big hug! I know that will be insanely tough to be away from your partner in crime for that long.

My 18 month old isn’t into TV very much (luckily). But Daniel Tiger can hold his attention for a minute here or there. As can Mickey Mouse Clubhouse because he is newly obsessed with Mickey.

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Awesome t-shirt! Aww, that will be tough to be away from your daughter that long. Hang in there.
I do try to take a daily multi vitamin, and lately I’ve been taking a GNC Hair, Nails and Skin supplement that has done wonders for my nails!!
Best part of my Weds – kicking out some great intervals this morning :)

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I always take iron supplements the night before a marathon. No idea why …. But I just feel like it helps my blood flow better?

Clearly … I’m not a doctor.

And I always must have a peanut butter Clif Bar with peanut butter for breakfast :)

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Recently became aware of the benefits to drinking beet juice before an important run. Tastes like dirt but definitely seems to help with endurance. Check it out!

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I don’t take any supplements, but my husband takes an Omega-3 oil (in liquid form, which grosses me out), beta-alanine (daily), and I think vitamin D.

Pre-race rituals include talking to my friends who are doing the race, listening to my favourite tunes, and going for a quick (as in not lengthy) jog.

My 2.5 year old is still alllllll about Thomas.

The best part of my Wednesday will be doing my run after work and meeting up with my husband so he can do his swim workout at the lake and I can run around with the kiddo!

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I live in fear of forgetting my headphones for a race! I am always triple checking that I have them

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This comment has nothing to do with your questions…only your title…tomorrow night, Thursday, will be my “night before goodbye”. My son leaves early Friday morning to fly by himself (first time) back to Ohio to see his dad (child and I live in WA). My son will be 9 in October. No matter how difficult it is to be a parent…and how much he is REALLY pushing limits lately, I am going to miss him and I do not want him to go. Tomorrow night/Friday morning is not going to be easy for this mama. :/

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Brooke’s favourite day looks like the best kind of day! I don’t have any of my own kids, but I am a nanny this summer and the little girl is Brooke’s age! She loves Caillou and Arthur.
I take a multivitamin everyday but no other supplements!
Pre-race rituals always include a bagel – no matter what!! And a hug from my mom:) Never really gotten in caffeine before running since it usually makes my stomach upset:(

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The best part of my Wednesday is going to be having all my boxes finally arrive in Seattle! I feel like I’ve been glamping for days now :).

Pre-race ritual = check the charge on my garmin and music 2394830 times. Honeystinger, a prayer to the Man upstairs, and a cheesy reminder to myself NOT to stress…that running should be fun :)

Have a wonderful day!

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I take B-12 since I’m vegan. Maybe once a month I pop an iron pill but not regularly.

Pre-race breakfast varies a bit but usually something like toast or half a bagel with a bit of peanut butter and a banana.

I know you will miss Brooke but hopefully you have some fun stuff planned to distract you while she is gone. My daughter is 18 and I still miss her when she goes away for any length of time. I’m glad she is going to college close by:)

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I take B12 daily and always have a little caffeine prior to racing. I get up super early before a race, and go to the bathroom about 1500 times. I also triple and quadruple check for my race bib and pins. My go to pre race meal is a bagel with honey or jelly, and coffee.
I have off from work today and will be going to my first acupuncture appointment. I’m excited for the relaxation!

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Mmm… sprinkles. I may have to go get some sprinkles today. :) Brooke is just the cutest, I tell you what.

My Pre-race rituals:
*don’t sleep most of the night before (not on purpose, but it’s usually what happens because of nerves)
*pbj on wheat for breakfast
*pray! And then I usually have some more simple version I can repeat later in the race if I need to: “not my strength, but yours”, something like that.
*trying on the outfit, photographing it, making sure things aren’t going to ride up if the shorts/skirt are new.

You mentioned in another post that you get emotional after races. I do, too. I cry every time. Even if it’s a 5k. I think it’s just because of all the work that goes in, the nerves, the work, and then just to come across the line, and each time you do it’s a little victory. I don’t know. I seriously cry every single time.

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Do you take any supplements? What do they do? I take Calcium since I am on Depo Provera but that’s it.

What are some of your pre-race rituals? I also cannot stand my lips to be dry, but I cannot stand the sticky of gloss either so I use some type of lip balm, preferably with an SPF, and my current favorite is Burts Bees with Coconut Oil. I usually put it in my key pocket for long races so I can reapply. I try to eat whatever I am going to eat (Picky Bar or banana or 1/2 PB sandwich) no closer than 60 minutes to the start, always have coffee, and sip water if there is time.

Parents reading—> what shows do your kiddos love? We watch mostly movies not shows, but Baxton’s favorites are Ratatouille, Winnie the Pooh, the Gruffalo, Khumba, Animals United, and Planes.

What is the best part of your Wednesday going to be? Hanging with Baxton! He is on summer break for the month of August and luckily I have arranged that too. These little ones are really the best!

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What a fun day with Brooke! And I know all of the other stuff is important but I love that you have lip gloss on the list must-haves haha!

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I take O2 Gold from Advocare before I run races. My lungs always give out way before the rest of my body and this seems to help control my breathing.

I also say a prayer before running.

The best part of my Wednesday…both my girls are getting their hair cut into styles of their own choosing. It makes me happy that they want to do their own thing, but a little sad that I don’t get to dictate it anymore.

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I just started taking Magnesium today, I’d read that it can be really beneficial for runners. Other than that, I take a vitamin supplement when I have a race coming up, cod liver oil and echincea which helps my immune system..

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My daughter LOVES Sophia The First too! We are actually watching it as we speak :)

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Toddlers and their love for doughnuts….I broke down and purchased my daughter a doughnut book bag for preschool after her relentless begging. Anna will be the coolest kid in school ;)

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That makes me so so happy! Is it the one from Target? Brooke got that one too! Hopefully Anna and Brooke will be twins!

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I would attach a picture of her with it in the comment, but…I don’t know how :/ Does Brooke have the drawstring sparkly one from Target? I tried to get Anna to go that direction but apparently sparkles and pink are not her thing anymore. We have this one from Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nailhead-16-Photo-Real-Food-Doughnuts-Backpack/44580033) it just makes me hungry seeing it!! I have not eaten a doughnut in years.

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Your blog makes me crave froyo so much!

I take a little bit magnesium and vitD supplements but not for running – more for mood and energy levels (I’m D deficient). I should start taking my multivitamin a bit more to keep my iron levels up, that will probably help with my running.

Before hard races I do like to eat lots of bananas and drink a ton of tart cherry juice the week or two leading up to it to help prevent soreness. I really think it works.

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Agreed. And since I don’t have forgo at home, sometimes I dip into the fridge and get a spoon of ice cream after reading. ?

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Oops. That should’ve read since I don’t have froyo…

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best part of my wednesday is recovering from jetlag! just got back from london and morocco (!) so catching up is on tap.

so glad you and brooke got to have so much fun yesterday before she’s gone for a while. hang in there!!

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Best part of my day was definitely my workout. http://runwright.net/2015/08/05/workout-wednesday/ It gave me the energy I needed to get this far into hump day and looking forward to a long walk I have planned for this evening with my friend.

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I’m with you on the lip gloss- I slather vaseline on my lips before a race, and if I can, I have some waiting for me at the finish (with my husband or in a drop bag). I just can’t deal with dry lips.
PS. Aquaphor is definitely the best for race lips…it hydrates and stays, and doesn’t get washed off with sweat. I use it if I have any, but vaseline works in a pinch.

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Sending you good vibes while Brooke is away!
Pre-race rituals: I always have to shower before a race, even if I showered the night before. Triple knot my shoes!
My kids love PBS Kids!
Best part of Wed – hanging at the pool all morning with my kiddos :)

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I used to take supplements when I was training for a triathlon but not anymore. I used to take preworkout mix right before a race but it just didn’t agree with my stomach or I would crash so bad!

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I had never heard of this supplement but I will look into it! I have heard of taking beetroot juice pre-race due to the high nitrate content, have you tried that?

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Hi Janae – question about your beta-alanin…do you take it just the morning of your race, or do you take it as an ongoing supplement, or preload it the week of a race, etc? I guess I’m trying to figure out if the results are instantaneous before a race with just 1, or if you need to build it up in your system.
Thanks!

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