Race Plan debunked

9:25 AM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

It was a phenomenally bright sunny afternoon in Vacouver, Washington for NW Personal Training's annual Summer Solstice run. After an anxiety inducing traffic jam I made it to the start on time. I felt pretty good after all my preparation. (See post below:) The MC asked all the "faster runners" to line up in the front. Most everyone stepped back. There were ten runners near the line. I saw my husband, Andrew, motion me to "get up there!" - so I did. And we're off!

The leader took off like lightening and I didn't see them again until the route looped back toward the finish. At Mile 1 I was nearly a minute faster than my goal pace at 6min 36sec. Wow, I kept time with another female runner. We held 2nd and 3rd place until the third mile. Up the courses only hill I pulled away. (I like hills what can I say!) But, it was at this point a cramp in my belly started to bug me. Nothing I can't deal with for another 3 miles! I pulled a bit further ahead until I couldn't see her behind me all the time.

Wow, I can't believe I'm in 2nd place! And I'm crushing my goal time!

Finally mile marker 5. My stomach aches and I think I could throw up if I tried to go any faster. Slowing my pace I focus on the finish line. Now this is where things get really sketchy. On a long straight-away I see a paved path to the left of an orage cone and a course marshell standing in the road. So, I took the left. And ran. I passed several people with race bibs walking toward me. I thought they must be the 3 mile runners cooling down. I smiled and grimmaced and ran. All the way down the path. Wait a second!! Where am I? I get to the junction of the 3 and 6 mile split. I yell out "Which way do I go?!". A women looks at my quizzically and asks me where I am trying to go?! "What!? I'm trying to win this race! Where's the finish line?" She shrugged.

Ahhhhh!!!! I am dejected at best, about to be sick to my stomach at worst. I think I started to walk. All the way back up to where I must have turned wrong. I was furious. I turned off my ipod and cussed.

I could see a few runners coming up the road and remembered that this was a race, just a race. I knew I was doing better than I ever imagined and it seemed silly not to enjoy it and keep going.

3rd place!!!! My fellow female runner had passed me during my detour but no one else and I actually finished 3rd!

My legs were too shaky by the end to get my chip off right away. I though for sure I'd be ill if I didn't keep moving. And I certainly didn't want any of the food and drink that was offered to me. (This could prove to be my later downfall)

I saw one of the people I'd passed on my "extra mile" and mentioned my mistake. He says, "Yeah, I saw you and thought she's doing so well why is she going the wrong way now?" And you didn't stop me!!! Arg!

Well, such is racing. I was beyond please with myself and amazed that a non-runner could run so fast. I'd be willing to try again:)

Race Plan

9:06 AM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Last night I ate pizza. And quite a bit of it. And it was awesome! If you live near Portland, haven't been to Dove Vivi, you must make a trip soon. We walked over last night and the place was busy but the wait was short. We were seated at a tucked in outdoor table to enjoy the close of a warm Summer evening (finally). I know I probably don't need to "carbo-load" before a race that's only 6 miles. However, I'll take any excuse I can get to go in for a secord or third slice of this incredible corn-meal crust pie! It is that good!

The Summer Solstice 6 miler begins at 6pm tonight. I've never raced in the afternoon. Well, I haven't been in that many races at all. I'm still figuring out how to rest and fuel my body to perform at its best. I wouldn't consider myself a runner. If it's a sunny week I'll maybe take 1 or 2 shortish jogs in my neighborhood. The last long run I did was race day of the Girlfriend's half marathon last year!

I've done some research and reading about race prep and planning and combined with what I know of my body and mind come up with this plan. I love having a plan.

Pizza the night before. Yummm, delicious carbs. A good night's rest. Check. A morning snack with water and coffee. Half an apple with a schmeer of peanut butter. A light, short jog/walk around the park. Not sure if this is a good idea or a bad one but with all that food in my belly I've got the urge to move. A nice, big, breakfast later, about 11am. The same one I always have. No need to switch it up. Then a snack? And an afternoon meal at 3pm. Small, carb rich and easy to digest. I haven't totally decided on what this will be. I'm thinking a half of a sweet potato with a small salad. I anticipate needing a boost by race time and plan to have a cup of coffee after this last meal. Coffee gives me a boost and I know my belly can handle it. So, coffee and maybe a tiny snack of almonds and another apple half on the way to the event.

Time to implement the plan! I have a goal time in mind even though I have nothing much to base it on -- just a dream:) My split times will be written on my hand so I can check it. My ipod is set with a super awesome, super fast soundtrack. No matter what it'll be a party in my mind!

Post race -- beer and bbq of course!

1st 10 k

1:57 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

I'm running my first 10k race this Saturday at 6pm. Any advice?! I have run one 1/2 marathon and it was fun, but long, and you can pace yourself. But, what about half that distance? I've heard that you should start slower than the pace you hope to finish in and I've heard it's a good idea to start off with a bang and make that first mile a fast one. I haven't been training outside of my usual weekly workouts which include 2-3 days of indoor spinning, 2 -3 30 minute session on the step mill and 2-3 days of strength training. I don't run every week but I do occasionally squeeze in a 2-3 mile jog some mornings. Honestly, I'm getting a little nervous. Not only that but I wrecked my best sneakers hiking through pricker bushes and pokey grass on vacation. I bought a new pair that seem to fit well and feel good so far -- but they aren't my beloved Brooks:(

Last week on vacation I was able to break free from my regular routine and exercise and adventure in a different way. That felt great! We hikes, ran, biked and paddled all week long. It's a great feeling to come home from vacation feeling fit and strong instead of beached and bloaty:)

So, this week I've tried to keep things going with an altered and new fitness program. Summer is a great time to re-evaluate and break out of any rut you may have fallen into over the Wintery months. Looking at my calendar I noticed that the annual Girlfriends and Dude triathalon is coming up in a few weeks! Yikes! I haven't been in the water swimming since last years race! i am taking this as an opportuntiy to add one or two swimming sessions into my week. Swimming laps is not my favorite activity since exiting the swim team 12 years ago. I went out and bought a new purple swim cap and some cute googles (really) and took my first dive in on Tuesday afternoon before work. Like riding a bike! It actually felt pretty darn good to feel strong in the water and I managed to swim 2000yards or 80 lengths ina out 45 minutes. Ok, I thought -- I can do this! So, I did it again today. I think this is a great way to be active while giving my body and legs a little recovery time before Saturdays race. Tomorrow, I do nothing but munch on pretzels and guzzle water. I'll keep you posted on how things go!

Food on the Fly

8:54 AM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

Hi Everyone!


I do believe Summertime truly is right around the corner. I'm gearing up for a road trip and I know a lot of you are super busy with trips and things too. Here are a few sample meals from the book "The 400 Calorie Fix 400." These are sample meals that you typically find on the road, beach or BBQ. 400 calories in a perfect amount for a good meal. Check it out!

Calories on the Road

The unpredictability of the open road doesn't need to derail your diet. To stay within 400 calories, keep fresh fruits and veggies in the car, seek out whole grains, and ask for your meal exactly how you want it. Here are three great to-go combos.


Starbucks Couscous Salad & Iced Green Tea

Couscous Salad with Curried Chicken (360 calories) is packed with colorful fruits and veggies that'll pump up your beta-carotene and vitamin C. Even with the salad's citrus dressing, you have enough calories left over for a tall (12 oz), refreshing Tazo Green Shaken Iced Tea (60 calories).

Total calories: 420





Dunkin' Donuts Breakfast Sandwich & Iced Coffee

Pair an Egg White & Cheese on Wheat English Muffin (260 calories) with a medium (24 oz) Iced Latte Lite (120 calories) for a filling combo that supplies almost half your day's calcium.

Total calories: 380





Subway 6" Sandwich, Potato Chips & Apple Slices

Order the Veggie Delite on nine-grain wheat bread (230 calories) with lots of extra veggies. Multigrain, whole grain, and even regular whole wheat bread have at least double the fiber of white. Enjoy with Baked Lay's (130 calories) and a packet of apple slices (35 calories).

Total calories: 395

400 Calories at a Barbecue

To save calories while dining al fresco, follow these basic backyard barbecue rules: Enjoy lean meats and chicken without skin, pile on fruits and veggies, and opt for calorie-free beverages. Here are three ways to make a meal.





Burger & Watermelon

A 3 oz lean ground beef burger (in a bun) has just enough fat to stay moist; lettuce and tomato add extra juiciness and satisfaction (315 calories). End your meal with a 1"-thick wedge of watermelon (90 calories).

Total calories: 405







BBQ Chicken, Corn on the Cob & Strawberries with Whipped Cream

Brush 2 skinless chicken thighs with 2 Tbsp barbecue sauce as they cook for great flavor and moisture (270 calories). A medium ear of yellow corn adds phytochemicals (90 calories). For dessert, top 1/2 c strawberries with a 1 Tbsp squirt of whipped cream (40 calories).

Total calories: 400



Vegetable Kebab, Potato Salad & Beer

Cut up a small onion, a red bell pepper, a handful of mushrooms, and a small zucchini, then thread onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and grill. They're packed with vitamins, and pretty low in calories (150 calories). Eat with 1/2 c potato salad (150 calories) and a 12 oz light beer (100 calories).

Total calories: 400

400 Calories at the Beach

Most boardwalk fare is nostalgic, delicious fun, but it's also a nutritional minefield. If you're watching calories, share a treat or pick one splurge to eat as you stroll. Otherwise, here are three combos that make a (somewhat) sensible meal.







Chicken Gyro & Popsicle

Order a savory grilled gyro in a pita with a drizzle of tahini dressing and plenty of lettuce and tomato (400 calories). Most are made with dark meat, which is a bit higher in calories than breast but is much juicier. Cool off with a refreshing Popsicle (15 calories).

Total calories: 415





Corn Dog & Diet Soda

A classic 6" corn dog tastes great but is high in calories (380 calories). Keep the rest of your meal trim by washing it down with a calorie-free diet soft drink.

Total calories: 380





Salad & Ice Cream

If you're craving ice cream, start with a low-cal side salad topped with 1 Tbsp Italian dressing (50 calories). A medium vanilla soft serve takes up almost all your meal calories (330 calories).

Total calories: 380

Wet Weekend

8:46 PM Remy Maguire - Manifest the Best 0 Comments

The sun shone timidly but true on Saturday for a friend's beautiful outdoor wedding. Congrat's you two! This morning the rain clouds returned and mercilessly damped our plans for a long bike ride in the woods. Sometimes you don't always get what you hoped. I was disappointed but with the help of my best mate made the most out of the dreary day. The wedding was full of fun, food and plenty of dancing but not quite enough to burn all the cupcake calories and pulled pork pounds I enjoyed! Wanting to get some serious exercise we came up with plan B and decided to hit and indoor spin class back in town. Great! Always a super workout. Gear up and ready to go -- wrong day of the week. No class on Sunday. Geez! Feeling more frustrated than motivated I managed a routine but sweaty session on the step mill and left feeling a bit lighter and looser. As we left the gym both my mood and the clouds had lifted. I love how that works! Looking forward to a fine week, busy and hopefully bright. We are leaving next weekend for a road trip down the coast of Oregon and into California. Packing our camping gear and mountain bikes and hitting the road for some Summer fun. I truly believe the best vacations, the most relaxing, weeks long or long weekends involve a perfect balance between active recreation and good old relaxation.