I didn't expect to win the Jim Thorpe Marathon at 41, but it wasn't an accident. Training is part of the story, but every decision I make as a race approaches has a specific purpose. These are the details that can make or break a race, no matter how fit (or how old) you are-
Fueling: Gone are the days of a gel every now and then. I need high carbs for a high output, and I have it calculated to the gram. This is as big of a change in the last decade as super shoes, easily.
Gear: Everything I race with has a purpose. And every piece is meticulously researched and tested. Example- My SOAR tights aren't just light, but they hold a lot of fuel in an easily accessible pocket with zero bounce. Checks every box.
Diet: I prioritize feeling springy on race day. That means the bulk of my carbs come 2 days before. I eat as little fiber as possible and only the protein needed to recover. By race morning my glycogen stores are full and I've got nothing extra to carry.
Taper: I peak 3 weeks out with a hard weekend of distance & intensity. But as the distance tapers, the intensity does not. The fastest 800s of the entire block happened the week of the race.
Racing: I race on the edge. I know I can run "okay." I'm willing to take a 90% risk of blowing up spectacularly for the 10% chance of doing something awesome. The only outcome that would ever disappoint me is an "average" day.
Bonus! Having the best cheering and support crew makes it all worth it, and keeps it possible. Seeing TG5 and his wranglers at the finish made the last steps the most exciting (while still the most painful) ones of the race.
Thanks again to the whole @jimthorperun team for an amazing weekend of events! Can't wait to come back.
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