Planning my race and preplanning for the days prior.

I met with coach Rick this past Sunday and we rode the part of the Marathon course that I am not yet familiar with.  This was a great idea because now I am able to visualize the entire race in my mind.  After this, we sat sat down at Jamba Juice and talked about race preparation.  So here is what I have been working on:

Take ENBREL for AS early in the week in case I get sick(Tuesday)

One more 6 -7 mile run at full blast (Tuesday)

Not eating hardly any carbohydrates and starches and such until Friday

Eating foods with heavy protein to replenish the glycogen in my muscles

On Friday I will start to load up on easily digested, carb-heavy foods, but not too much.

Drinking 3 gallons of water per day or more to ensure proper hydration and blood flow and to prevent cramping during the race.

Race Packet pick up on Saturday a.m. at Keauhou Beach Resort

Hilo Regatta Saturday afternoon.  Naps in between!!!  Two mile jog in Hilo slow pace.

Carb load dinner party Saturday evening at Keauhou Beach Resort for Ankylosing Spondylitis networking purposes and carbs.

In bed by 11 p.m. Saturday night in Waikoloa. 

Up at 3:30 a.m..  Eat some oatmeal and a banana with my extreme athlete multivitamin and load up on calories from my normal supplements.  Also have a cup of coffee.  USE THE BATHROOM!!!!

On the road by 4:00 a.m. to the venue.

Arrive at venue no later than 4:45 a.m. Race starts at 5:30.

Stretch, warmup, stretch, breathe, stretch, breathe, focus.

START RUNNING!!!!!  Keep a 7 min 30 sec per mile pace and walk(30 seconds) all aide stations(every 2 miles) for maximum refueling.  Ice!! Water, sports drink, cold sponges, GU, Salt tabs, Endurolytes.  I need to provide my body with enough calories and sugars to perform, so I may need some cola, too.  Nutrition throughout the race is key, but I will probably keep it to liquids.  If I feel like I have more gas than I am expending when it comes to mile 18-20 and I am out of the Energy Lab, I will pick up the pace.

Hopefully I will cross the finish line by 9:00 a.m., which will put me in at under 3.5 hours.

Please wish me luck!  Thank you everyone who has taken the time out of their schedule to follow me and my quest to compete in this extremely difficult race.  I am on a mission to spread the word about Ankylosing Spondylitis.  For the duration of this race, I will be sporting the words: "I HAVE ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS"

Cheers,
Helgi