Prep Day

Tomorrow is the race, and today I have to get everything ready.  I've decided to drive up tonight and sleep in the car.  This way I can sleep in tomorrow, and don't have to get up at 5am for the 3.5 hour drive.  I also soaked my feet in ice water for 20 minutes one last time, fearing the torture they will be subjected to tomorrow.

Food

• Bananas for breakfast and the night before. I want to load up on potassium to help with the soreness.
• Yogurt and granola for breakfast
• Protein powder for breakfast
• Two sugar free Powerade for after the race
• Two 20oz jars of green tea for the ride home
• Trail mix for the ride home
• Plenty of ibuprofen to reduce swelling and inflammation during the race and after
• Glucosamine, multivitamin, and fish oil supplements
• Two gallons of water

Gear for the very cold night

• Sleeping bag
• Extra blankets
• Camping sleeping pads
• Long underwear
• Down jacket
• Fleece gloves
• Extra change of clothes
• Toilet Paper
• Sunblock
• Bug repellent
• Plastic bags for my muddy clothes 

Race Gear

• Vibram Five Finger KSO Trek
• Injinji Outdoor Series Trail Toe Socks
• CLC Black Work Gloves
• Black Nylon Shorts
• Black Nylon Shirt

Last Strength Training Session

Today I did the following:

• 20, 25, and 35 reps of push-ups with feet elevated18" 
• 20, 20, and 30 reps bicep curls with 20lb weights, at a slow pace
• 15 20 and 25 reps of overhead dumbbell press with 20lb weights instead of lateral dumbbell raises, I alternate between these 
• 40, 60, and 100 reps of sit-ups 

This is my last strength training session before the race.  I did not push myself further than my last couple sessions, as I don't want to over exert myself before the event in a couple days.

Four Mile Warm Up

I thought I should run tonight, as a warm up for the race on Sunday.  I haven't been running for 1.5 weeks, due to pain in my Achilles tendon.

I also wanted to see what it was like to run with a 1.5L generic Camel Back.  I did a mile in my neighborhood, and stopped to drop off the pack.  It was annoying the way the water was swishing around with each step.  The weight of the bag didn't bother me, but I'm sure it would have halfway through the race.  Of course, by then half the water would have been gone.  I decided to not wear it because there will be water stations, and I don't want it in the way during the obstacles.

I just did a four mile run, and I ditched the Camel Back at a friends house after the first mile.  I will not be bringing it with me for the race.  It flopped around too much and felt constricting.  As for the Achillies tendon, it started to ache a little bit; however, I suspect this was from inactivity, not from damage.  I did another ice water soak for the tendon and my overall foot health.  I also took a dose of ibuprofen to help with any swelling in my feet from the run.  I'm feeling pretty good about the shape I'm in for the event.

Back In The Game

Feeling like I have slacked off in my training, I attacked my strength training workout with greater intensity.  I pushed harder than I have recently, and it felt good to surpass my previous workout level.  This is helping mentally too, which is important as race day approaches.  I need to have the right attitude as I run the race, to keep me moving when my body wants to stop.

I also weighed myself today. 172lbs and 8% body fat.  I'm happy with my current progress, as I only weighed 160lbs when I started training.  I don't want to stay at this weight at all, so I'm going to keep up the training after the race.

Today I did the following:

• 20, 25, and 30 reps of push-ups with feet elevated18" 
• 20, 20, and 30 reps bicep curls with 20lb weights, at a slow pace
• 15 20 and 25 reps of lateral dumbbell raises with 20lb weights instead of overhead dumbbell press, I alternate between these 
• 40, 60, and 100 reps of sit-ups

Mourning

I really should be doing some strength training with the race coming, but I was preoccupied today.  My grandmother died at the age of 91, so most of the evening was spent assisting my mother for her trip to Nebraska.  Perhaps I'll get back on the horse tomorrow.

Race Info and Therapy

Tough Mudder posted the Sunday start times, and it looks like there are only two slots now.  I originally signed up for 2pm, so I could leave my house around 9 or 10AM.  Now there are only two groups, 10 and 11AM.  I am going to have to start adjusting my sleep now, so I won't be so drained from waking up at 5AM to drive out there.  I may sound like a Nancy boy by complaining about waking up at what doesn't seem so early, but it's due to my sleep apnea.  I don't do well with changes in my already problematic sleep.  I've looked into hotels in the area, and there are a few for $60 - $100, but those prices don't include taxes and fees.  I can barely afford the gas to get out there with the entry fee, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do about this.

With the race coming this Sunday, I'm taking no chances with my left foot and right Achilles tendon.  You may have already noticed that I haven't been running.  I want my feet to be in the best health possible, so I am giving them a rest until race day.

Tonight, I am soaking them in an Epsom salt bath with hot water.  I know some say this is an old wive's tail, but what if it does work.  I bought a huge 1 gallon carton for $3.50 at the local drug store, so this isn't costing me very much money.  I poured about a cup into a few gallons of hot water.  I can't really tell if this is working on the tendon, because it doesn't hurt under normal use.  The foot is feeling a bit better, but i'm not too concerned about the foot.  I continued the soak until the water was lukewarm and added more hot water.  I think the total was around 60 minutes.

Tired All Day

Recovery from last night involved a lot of sleeping in today.  While I came home sober, it was still far too late for me.  Screwing with my sleep has a major impact on me, so I am regretting not getting to bed earlier.  Eventually, I made it to a baby shower, which occupied the rest of my day.  Even if I weren't so busy, today is a day off because I am too exhausted to train.