You're nearing the top of your mountain of training - here are some tips and tricks from our EDGE Coaches on how to perfect your Peak Week.
You will not feel like you did during the vast majority of training, which will freak you out. The extra rest, energy, and overall focus on every little ache and pain is normal. These are not reasons to second guess yourself or change your race plan.
The last "real" week to nail that nutrition for race day. It's not just the fuel during the run but what you're eating leading up to it too. You are what you eat!
Treat the WHOLE week like you would race week. Sleep a little more, drink tons of water, eat well, and pre-cover (i.e., contrast baths, compression boots, compressions socks).
Peak week is a great opportunity to do a dress rehearsal of the race- wear the outfit you plan to wear, test out the night before and morning of fuel, and follow the fuel/hydration plan during the run.
Practice those mental skillz... visualize your run, reflect on your why, try some different mantras out this week!
Remember that the work this week is on top of not just last week, but all of the weeks of training leading up to this point. So it’s ok to feel a little tired. Listen to your body closely as it rebuilds during a robust workload. If you feel tired, fit in a quick nap or carve out an extra hour of sleep. Be mindful to hydrate well, more miles means you’re burning through more fluids. Watch nutrition – eat to hunger and satiety, and identify foods that are good, balanced building blocks for your body to use during this final crescendo.
As I trained for the Rio Paralympics, EDGE was the perfect place for me to recover in between my grueling workouts so I could perform my best day after day. It all paid off when I earned a bronze medal in Rio! Whether it's for bike, run or strength training, recovering in a pair of recovery boots, drinking a cup of coffee or chatting with the members about their past and current races, it is one of my favorite places to go - EDGE Athlete Lounge has become my second home!
I use EDGE for both training and recovery… having the Woodway treadmills and a room to do weights and other-related strength exercises when I need them is very helpful and convenient. Without question, utilizing EDGE on a consistent basis has helped me stay injury-free. In fact, as someone who has a history of being injured, since joining EDGE, I have yet to experience a significant injury. I attribute that largely to having ready access to state of the art recovery tools that EDGE provides its members with.
I will be racing the Boston Marathon in April, a race in which I am targeting a sub-2:30. Bearing that Boston goes according to plan, I intend on attacking a 2:25 clocking at the 2017 Chicago Marathon! Furthermore, I am planning on breaking 15:00 in the 5K and 1:09 in the half-marathon
EDGE helped me fight my way to the title of North American Cycle Courier Champion in 2016 and I’ve got 2017 in the crosshairs. As a full time bike messenger and a professional cyclist, my schedule allows very little time to give my muscles a break. The amazing staff and facilities at EDGE have allowed me to give my body the much needed recovery it needs between rides and have helped me ride farther, ride harder, and ride stronger than ever before. Fresh legs TRULY bring FAST TIMES!
