Pre Race Day - Colchester Half Marathon

Saturday

"You did it before - you can do it again!"

I am seriously struggling with the urge to get out and garden today. It is the most beautiful Spring day. Unfortunately, if I do get some gardening done I will probably not be able to stand up straight tomorrow. So I have just been enjoying a mooch around looking at all the new fresh growth and the pleasant feel of the sun on my face.

I wonder what effect it will have on running and what I wear tomorrow.

My goals for today are:

• Sort out race gear 
• Relax

Race Gear

Essential items - a list of things to take and my SportsGirlsPlay motivation/record sheet

There is the obligatory 'tick off list' to help me get everything together as well as my day's planner (a fun, free download from SportsGirlsPlay.com - for the young at heart in my case)

I am going to attach my pins to my race number before hand so I don't forget them. Also I have last year's Paddy's Day lucky four leaf clover to embellish my outfit.

Garmin sports watch, heart rate monitor and my new Vivofit (more on that in another post later)

My Lululemon safe to drink from plastic water bottle which I will carry with a watered down sports drink.

My cropped high viz tabbard - this is a mini version of 'what's in my handbag':

It will hold wipes, tissues, gloves, dextrose sweets, caffeine gel, snacks (pretzels, dried dates and a fig roll)

This is a very special necklace I asked my friend Tanya tlk-jeweller.com to make for me last year. On the front are the co-ordinates for Colchester and on the back the date and distance and a peridot to signify St Patrick's Day. So beautiful but my photo doesn't do it justice.

So there it all is:

• Asics Gel Kayano 20 Trainers and  Lululemon running socks
• Gilly Hicks leggings and vest
• Lululemon sports bra
• Midlayer (don't know brand)
• Sweaty Betty wind resistant jacket (probably just for hanging around at start)
• High viz cropped top with 'contents'
• Technical gadgets
• Jewellery and embellishments
• Race Number

Too bad now if I have forgotten anything!! But I am super excited to have another long run and I hope it goes well for everyone taking part.

Relax

Well I don't mind if I do after all that and here is the perfect treat - all I need add is a cup of tea and a seat in the garden and I'm all set.