It’s the last week before race week, and I realized that I may be surfing the crimson wave either the day of the race or the day before.  For all those who haven’t seen the movie Clueless, starring Alicia Silverstone, the crimson wave refers to menstruation, or “women’s troubles” as they are referred to in the film. This would be a real bummer because I deal with fatigue in the days leading up to my period, along with low moods.  I paid too much money to do this, so I will not be backing out, but it still stinks.

YEAAAAH FOR MAT PILATES AND NEEDS IMPROVEMENT FOR STRETCHING

Have I mentioned that I have reignited my love of Mat Pilates during this race prep? Instead of strength training before this week’s long run, I did Pilates with the Peloton app before my last long run, and it is the perfect complement to running. My favorite Pilates instructor with Peloton is Anna Greenberg. I also didn’t realize that Lil Jon and the Eastside Boys went so well with mat Pilates.

If I had to give myself a “Needs Improvement” grade during this race prep, it is that I should have done better with stretching. I was pretty inconsistent about stretching, which is not wise for a person in her forties, but I find it so dull. My life is already boring enough that I don’t want to do more dull activities!  I liked the Yoga/Pilates combo classes that Anna Greenberg teaches with Peloton, and, of course, Peloton. Yoga superstar Chelsea Jackson Roberts is my girl, but I just haven’t been in the mood for too much yoga.  Peloton has great selections for mobility, and I’ve done a few of those classes, but I realize I need to be much better about stretching, not just for the race, but in my everyday routine.

The running is much better than it was. I remember that first week when I couldn’t even get to six miles before flaming out. It is good to know that there has been progress!