Runner's World

http://www.runnersworld.com/

Hey guys! I just wanted to share with you all my favorite magazine for running: Runner's World!
Check out their website and if you are interested in starting to run, pick up an issue! It will motivate you!

Knee Strap

So for my knee pain, I decided to go with a knee brace instead of the compression sleeve for my knee. It seemed to work yesterday. It is the exact image above and it only cost 20 dollars. It was very easy to put on too. It is just a simple strap.

Carbo Load

http://www.halhigdon.com/Nancy.html

Hey guys!

Check out this link for sports nutrition. I had a big pasta dinner the night before the half-marathon for my carbo-load. The site mentions about pre-race day nerves and not being able to eat. I find this part interesting, because I woke up yesterday before the race and ending up throwing up, because of all of the nerves and emotions I was experiencing. I was a little pissed, because I got a bottled water out of the mini fridge in the hotel and ended up throwing it up. 6 Dollars down the drain... I was only able to eat a fourth of a banana before the race, but I was able to do it!

Course Map

Hey everyone! Check out the course map for the half-marathon in Vegas, I just completed! Looking back at this map, I can't believe I finished this ordeal. It went down the main strip of Vegas. It is the only day of the year that they shut down the strip completely! The starting line was right outside my hotel, Mandalay Bay, so it was nice to wake up and walk right outside to the starting line. I highly recommend this race because of the course!

Vegas is Amazing!

Wow guys!

So Las Vegas has become one of my favorite places in the world! This place is like Disney World for adults. Between gambling and free drinks (not to mention how you can walk anywhere with your drink too) I almost forgot that I came here to run a half-marathon haha! It's been a fantastic trip and I am so glad I came here. I haven't done anything crazy yet though. There is nothing where I would feel like it follow the slogan "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas"...Maybe I should go get into some trouble before my flight leaves today? :) What do you guys think?

Check out the post below of the Bellagio fountains. I saw them last night to Christmas music. It was awesome!!!

Fountain of Bellagio "Time To Say Goodbye"

ESPN 30 for 30: Into the Wind by Steve Nash & Ezra Holland

I figured I would keep the streak of inspirational videos going...

If you haven't had the chance of seeing the Terry Fox story on Espn's 30 for 30...Do So!!!

This kid decided to run across Canada to fundraise and raise awareness for cancer. He had cancer and had to have one of his legs removed. He was running across Canada with one leg.

This guy is my hero and I will be thinking about him on Sunday. There will be no complaining from me that's for sure. I will not be complaining about my legs hurting. This documentary was amazing. Thanks Steve Nash!

You CAN: Join CCFA's Team Challenge Today!

Hey guys,

I just wanted to share this with everyone. This is actually the video I watched that inspired me to do this half-marathon with Team Challenge. It has a part in there about a little kid who has Crohn's, but he is a lot worse off than me. He reminded me of myself though, because you could tell he was a fighter and he went through the daily motions of taking care of himself. Everyday is a fight and I'm going to Vegas to fight also. All the fundraising I have been doing while training is going to help find a cure for this disease. I know it will.

Hydration Belt Offers A Lot

This is the hydration belt I bought for race day. The company is called Nathan's Sports and the product is called the Speed 2. 

I bought it at Dick's and it was about $30. I was frustrated with the price at first, but it actually is a great product and it holds a perfect amount of water. I will be placing my FRS chews in the pocket in the back too for that extra energy boost. I've been strapping my ipod to the belt too which I think is more comfortable than having it on my arm. I honestly think this is the best product out there for a fair price.

Go to http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/racespeed-series/speed-2

or simply go to Dick's to buy this product!

Here are some of it's features:

Carry up to 20 ounces of energy gel or replacement fluids. Ideal for long trips with some water availability.

No. 4611NGYSpeed 2 Data

• Molded Holsters for quick, one-handed Flask access
• Two 10 oz. (300 mL) Nutrition Flasks
• Stash pocket for small essentials
• Airmesh moisture-wicking backing
• Limited-stretch elasticized waistbelt with soft perimeter binding
• Silicone grips inside holsters prevent Flasks from popping out
• Reflective detail
• Three sizes: SM 26-32”, MED 32-36”, & LG 36-42”

Music Selections

This is first on my playlist for race day. Corny? Probably..but it is a great way to get pumped up at the starting line.

I need to start organizing my mix for race day tonight. Does anyone have any favorite artists they listen to while working out?

So far my favorites are Eminem and Lifehouse.

Knee Problem

So ever since I did my longest run two weeks ago, I have been having issues with my right knee. Whenever I sit for a long time and get up it is really tight and then when I start running it gets even worse. With race day being this weekend, I am getting nervous.

I have been icing my knee when I can and it seems to be helping, but I am considering buying a compression thing for my knee. Has anyone ran with this? Would it help and does it put any restrain on you while running?

I was looking online and found some at Dick's. There is one from Everlast that costs about $16.



I think this is definitely something to look into. Let me know what you guys think!