You can do it! Getting through the final weeks of training.

Race Day is weeks away. I don't know about you, but I have been finding training in our Alberta weather a little taxing. Do you feel a little behind? Or worried about your race readiness? First of all, RELAX! Take a deep breath.
 Perhaps I can share a few tips to help you over the next month. 

• Make plans to get out there and stick to it. Think of it as making plans for yourself. When we had particularly bad weather I went to a gym. In fact, over the past 6 weeks, I went to four different gyms and took them up on introductory offers to get in some workouts to help in especially inclement weather. This helped me get workouts in on those days I definitely didn’t want to get out! ​

• Get out with friends and have fun. Even if the weather sucks, you can suffer together! Just remember that whatever you do, it all counts. I have been walking to work. And running home. Hiking and getting runs  - long and short with friends. Sometimes I run to meet friends for a coffee. Doing an extra loop while walking the dog, or adding a few more minutes to your runs is also helpful. One other training tactic I have been doing is stair repeats. These might not be my favourite, but it sure helps with tackling and pushing up those hills.

• Find inspiration -- in friends, family, in signs along the road. I run to help keep my stress levels down. I enjoy the scenery and I look for beauty on the run. In bridges, signs, graffiti or just seeing other runners out there. Find whatever motivates you and get the job at hand done. Sometimes lacing up the shoes is hard, but once your workout or run is complete, you will be happy!
  

​​And most importantly on race day, come out and have fun. Soak up the enthusiasm of the volunteers, of fellow racers. And enjoy your time out there. 
 
See you on the trails! ​

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