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Pre-Marathon Starvation

A few marathons ago (you know you've been doing too many when you can say that), I decided to include starvation as part of my taper strategy.

The week before a marathon, I start loading up on pickle juice, sleep, carbs, and water.

And I completely (to my power) cut out music.

You see, I listen to music (on my Sony Walkman -- GIVEAWAY STILL GOING ON, and formerly iPod) on most of my runs.  I've done a couple of races without music, mostly because I forgot or wasn't allowed to have it.  But when I can help it, I'm going to jam to Eminem in my darkest moments of the race.

So this means that on my last runs before the race, my ears are open.  I don't turn on the radio in the car (except talk radio), and I try to avoid lingering in music-playing supermarkets or stores for very long.

This way, when race day comes, I'm starving for music, and its motivating affects are increased.  Yes, marathons much are less painful when you're absorbed in a Lil Wayne song that you haven't heard in a WHOLE WEEK. :$

Does that qualify me as weird??


Anyway, here's a (small) snippet of what's on my marathon playlist.  As can be gathered by my references above, I'm a little bit of a "thug," although click if you specifically like "RUNNING" songs (more HERE).  In spite of this, yes, I'm a little bit embarrassed about my selections. :$

Off to listen to more talk radio and drink pickle juice.
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Comments

  1. KaraMarch 16, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    I love this idea. I have to admit I first thought you were talking about food and I thought "Well, that's not a good idea!" lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 16, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    I had hypothosized this staevation to be a necessity for myself! I get burnt out on my playlist too. Heavey D and the Boys are my go to motivation music! #13 is my fav

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    oh I thought you were talking about food too and I was confused because it said Marithon. I'm glad to know that you're still feeding yourself!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    I love your list of music. We listen to a lot of the same things

    ReplyDelete
  5. Steel SpringsMarch 16, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    This is a great idea!

    I'm going to have to check out some of the songs on your playlist. There are some that I haven't heard.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    cool idea. i don't really ever train to music but i like listening to it before runs / races to pump me up. great choices on some of those songs. especially f you. that one is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will TravelMarch 16, 2011 at 11:16 AM

    What a great idea. Definitely going to have to try this for my next solo race!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JennyMarch 16, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Music is key for me on my runs:) Sometimes it's weird because I'll listen to some of the slowest songs and have the best runs. It's the songs that hit my soul and sing to my heart that get me going. But I know most people have to have the jams! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tina @ Faith Fitness FunMarch 16, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    That actually makes perfect sense!!! It would motivate me that's for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMarch 16, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    great songs- the play list is looking pretty similar to mine

    ReplyDelete
  11. BrianMarch 16, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    This is a fantastic idea. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  12. RachelMarch 16, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    That is genius. I can't believe I never thought of this, because playlist burnout happens to me FREQUENTLY. So trying this my next race!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Glenn JonesMarch 17, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    Pickle juice?

    ReplyDelete
  14. N.D.March 17, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    love it! i need some new tunes too! thanks for posting!

    ReplyDelete
  15. JessMarch 17, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Music used to be key to me on runs, but after running lots of a kiddo, I don't use it as much anymore. Still, I understand the appeal of a song feeling "new" on race day.

    ReplyDelete

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