Erin go Bald (Bragh)
I picked up this month's Runner's World magazine and they had a small article entitled, "Lucky Charm: Rituals that help runners really excel." "Did they write this article for me?" I'm thinking as it seemed to strike a chord. We all have bizarre rituals and superstitions that we believe have an impact on our race day performance. Some are well-founded routines that have worked in the past. I got input from a top runner whose pre-marathon (or long run) meal includes chocolate Cheerios with almond milk--one man's barf, another man's "Breakfast of Champions."
The most bizarre sports ritual I can recall is baseball's Moises Alou who urinated on his hands to toughen them up--now that's dedic
ation. And who can forget Nuke LaLoosh from Bull Durham wearing a woman's thong to break a slump. I have a number of rituals that include laying out my gear the night before, traveling with my foam roller, or going to a movie the day before a race. Over my past few marathons, I have gone with a near bald shave and realize that I'm in good company since Ryan Hall (U.S. 12-K and half marathon record holder) does the same thing before his races. (One of several "secret weapons" mentioned in the article.)
This year, I decided to combine one of my favorite holidays, St. Patrick's Day with my pre-marathon shave by getting my head shaved for the St. Baldrick's foundation benefiting Children's Cancer research. A worthy cause and I "killed two birds with one stone" by making a donation and getting my streamlined race day look. Kind of a reverse Samson--but he actually lost his power when his hair was cut. Like Hall, I have also shaved my legs before (Chicago Marathon) and even wear the controversial Power Balance bracelet. Combine that with proven routines (gear, training, or diet) that work over your 16-18 weeks of training and you will have an increase in confidence on race day.
In the four and 1/2 weeks left, my other decision is what singlet to wear race day? I'm debating between buying a new one (my usual ritual) and wearing a previous PR singlet. Either way, every bit helps. What's your lucky charm?
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
The most bizarre sports ritual I can recall is baseball's Moises Alou who urinated on his hands to toughen them up--now that's dedic
ation. And who can forget Nuke LaLoosh from Bull Durham wearing a woman's thong to break a slump. I have a number of rituals that include laying out my gear the night before, traveling with my foam roller, or going to a movie the day before a race. Over my past few marathons, I have gone with a near bald shave and realize that I'm in good company since Ryan Hall (U.S. 12-K and half marathon record holder) does the same thing before his races. (One of several "secret weapons" mentioned in the article.)This year, I decided to combine one of my favorite holidays, St. Patrick's Day with my pre-marathon shave by getting my head shaved for the St. Baldrick's foundation benefiting Children's Cancer research. A worthy cause and I "killed two birds with one stone" by making a donation and getting my streamlined race day look. Kind of a reverse Samson--but he actually lost his power when his hair was cut. Like Hall, I have also shaved my legs before (Chicago Marathon) and even wear the controversial Power Balance bracelet. Combine that with proven routines (gear, training, or diet) that work over your 16-18 weeks of training and you will have an increase in confidence on race day.
In the four and 1/2 weeks left, my other decision is what singlet to wear race day? I'm debating between buying a new one (my usual ritual) and wearing a previous PR singlet. Either way, every bit helps. What's your lucky charm?
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
That's hardcore!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Great work killing two birds with one stone!
ReplyDeleteIn terms of a Boston singlet, I would definitely wear your PR singlet! :)
Best of luck and see you next month!
Interesting! Nice post! Way to multi-task!
ReplyDelete