Yesterday I spent all day walking around the Natural Products Expo West on the hunt for new, healthy and delicious options to share on RER.
This isn’t new, but I am kinda digging the ridiculous amount of yogurt in this “five pounder” as the Chobani reps called it.
But, THIS. This may change my life:
(More on Expo West next week after I wind down from the marathon!)
After the expo I braved Los Angeles Friday night traffic and barely barely barely made it in time to meet everyone for a pre-LA Marathon VIP party.
We took a big party bus. It was fun!
We live in a world without can’t. Pass it on.
There were drinks involved. Gotta stay hydrated!
I went to sleep dreaming of the LA Marathon…
… and woke up this morning to this view!
The ocean beckoned me so I took a walk to the Santa Monica pier. It’s super close – less than a half a mile away.
I kept it short because I had to be back by 8am for a pre-race shake out run with Coach Andrew Kastor, Deena Kastor, Ryan Hall and the rest of the running blogger team.
The totem pole was our turn around point.
Deena Kastor said you have to run around it or you won’t get the luck! I should have run around it 26 times!!
Looks like PavementRunner is ready for a PR tomorrow, don’t ya think?!
Apparently this picture prefers to be on it’s side or Brian wants to lay down… (I tried to fix it and for some reason it won’t!)
It was a short 3 mile run, just enough to shake it out a bit before the LONG run tomorrow. But it was HOT.
We were all commenting on the race day weather which is forecasted to be above 80 degrees.
Coach Kastor addressed it in our post-run chat below.
After the run we enjoyed breakfast outside. We’re being encouraged to carb-load. Yes, please!
After breakfast Coach Kastor gave us some last minutes tips for the Los Angeles Marathon…
LA Marathon Race Day Tips:
1. Do NOT do anything new on race day!!
Yes, Coach Kastor led with this tip that I’ve shared with you before. Even though it’s tempting to buy something bright and shiny and new for the race at the expo – don’t use it for the race if it’s not something you’re already used to.
2. Due to weather, consider changing your goals.
The race is going to be hot so you might want to readjust your goals. He suggested maybe adding 10 to 15 seconds per mile.
This is obviously just a gentle suggestion, but it is a good one to keep in the back of your mind if the race day temperatures are really hard on your body.
3. Trust the taper.
You put in the work. He shared a story of Deena Kastor not feeling ready the week before she broke the American record. She rocked it even though she wasn’t completely sure she could hold the pace just a week before.
4. Rest, Relax and Fuel.
Take it easy before the race. I know I get nervous before a race but this is a time to rest and get ready to run a strong race. Think of it as storing up that energy to unleash on race day!
5. Visualize it.
Picture yourself running a strong race, crossing the finish line feeling great! The race ends in Santa Monica next to the beach. Imagine the Pacific Ocean pulling you toward it. As you get closer to the ocean (and the miles tick higher and higher) use this picture in your head to guide you to the finish.
I also chatted with Ryan Hall after breakfast. I’m a big fan and love how he shares his faith too. He said his dad gave him the best advice, “If it’s not fun it’s not worth it.” We do this because it’s fun. Sure we train and watch our nutrition and do all those other things so it will be more fun – but it’s supposed to be fun when you line up on marathon morning.
Right on!
Related: One day I want to run across the USA. Should I made the Santa Monica pier my FIRST or LAST stop???
This picture is from my walk on the pier this morning!!
Question: When I run across the country… should Santa Monica be the start line or finish line??
MartinaNYC says
Awwww Ryan <3 <3 <3 He's SO CUTE!
runeatrepeat says
And super nice!
Shannon in Tustin says
Your last stop, fo sho–you Cali girl! I love LA (we love it!!)…
Congrats on a super time, given those excruciating conditions!!
😀
Ashley says
Last stop — for sure. And I LOVE the Ryan quote. Yes, we are on first name basis.
Mich says
Partying before a marathon. Now that sounds like a great idea. But I guess you came home early for your run.
Pamela says
In words of 1 syllable, it could be firmly asserted that vaporizer
is really a health promoting device with the dint ones
one can possibly enjoy inhaling the natural essence of all of herbs without inhalation with the harmful smoke even during the least.
After all, you have to test an item before investing a large amount of
cash in a lot more expensive, cutting-edge, digital product.
The dew point (or absolute humidity) would tell
in regards to the total volume of water vapor actually in the
air.
denisse cristina says
How can I find out about all these conferences?
I live in LA and would LOVE to go to these fun food events!
Lis @ 26.2x2 says
Watermelon habanero lemonade drink? Yes, please! And Santa Monica should definitely be your last stop, so that you have a great “homecoming. 🙂
Livi says
Good luck this morning!!!!
Megan @ The Skinny-Life says
How I miss going to Santa Monica and that strand! I worked in Torrance for 18 months for a client and ran Redondo Beach every night. I used to spend weekends in Santa Monica. Good luck and thanks for the great pics! I need to visit the CA beach soon.
Cindy says
Last stop!!! With a big celebration. Like maybe a watermelon beach picnic. 🙂
Good Luck!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Last stop …run toward home!! 🙂
Susu Paris Chic says
Definitely make it your last stop. And then well-deserved home sweet home. Good luck tomorrow – you’ll do great I’m sure! In admiration of your energetic lifestyle…
2 Cups 'N Run says
Good luck on the marathon! Have fun! Yes I agree with Ryan Hall.
SMP should be your last stop.. since you live in CA, it would mean you are back home.
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan says
Last stop! That way you’re already close to home!
Have fun tomorrow!
Jojo @ RunFastEatLots says
It should be your last. Like a home coming!
Good luck on the race tomorrow!
Gloria says
Good luck tomorrow!! I love that dress, by the way!
Kate says
I would make it the last stop, for sure.
Josie says
Good luck! Thanks for sharing the advice and inspiration!
Losing Lindy says
ok RT 66 starts in Chicago..you need to come see us!
runeatrepeat says
Deal. I might even give you a sweaty hug…
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete says
Good luck, darling!
logan mathis @ Flatstomachgoal says
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
Tartanjogger @tartanjogger.com says
Wishing you the best of luck for tomorrow!