Pre Race Jitters

The night before a race, no matter how big or small, is consistently the worst night of my life.

No matter how well I plan, or how much work I do in advance, I always freak out.

It seems pretty simple when I plan it out. Hydrate, eat good foods, set out my clothes and gear, paint my fast nails, load up my water bottle...

Somehow instead of going to bed at a decent time, and chugging 60 ounces of water, I end up vacuuming inside the closets, reorganizing drawers, or cleaning out the cupboards.

Right now, I'm fighting the urge to clean the house, and instead I set up my bike so I could spin out some nerves while I catch up on some new TV (So far, Guys with Kids is pretty funny. Love Jimmy Fallon!)

Who says printed books won't always be useful!?

I did manage to have a DELICIOUS dinner, courtesy of Trader Joe's and what happens when you go there for ONE thing. I bought their frozen salmon patties, their guacamole/greek yogurt mix, and their corn/flour tortillas (weird combo, I know). I grilled up the salmon patty and made a wrap with the guac and tortilla. So good!

If you like avocados, you gotta try this stuff. Immediately.

Tomorrow, I'm running a half-marathon and I'm attempting to PR with a time less than 1:50. My reach goal is 1:45 because I know it's a flat and fast course, but that means I'd have to run almost :30 faster a mile for most of the race... and I'm a realist.

Cross your fingers for race bling!

I also know it's going to a smaller-than-normal race; I'm thinking there will be less than 500 people there. So... my odds of placing are either super awesome, or super terrible because I'll be again some FAST rangers and army wives. 

What are your pre-race rituals? Do you have a certain dinner before important races or something special you always do? 

UPDATE: PR'ed on the course! Was the sixth woman in my age group, with a 1:46. There were a TON of really talented and fast runners at this event. But, the best part was the band after the run. Called Heavy Left, I believe it's a group of soldiers. The did an awesome rendition of Rock Candy by Montrose, complete with a falsetto chorus.