Warrior Dash Race! Are you a warrior?
I just ran this race called the Warrior Dash with some of my friends and clients, we had a blast! This race had obstacles along the 3 mile run. I highly recommend entering something like this even if you don’t think you are in tip top shape, it’s more about mental toughness. If you are looking for a way to make exercising fun or if you want to test your skills and be competitive, a race like this one would be great. Even if it’s not this specific run lots of cities hold mud runs and other fun runs, so look them up!
I saw people of all skill levels do this and I cheered those on who I could tell this was probably their first challenge.
I checked out my posted time from the race and I came in 18th place for my age group and out of 5, 000 people, yes 5,000 people!
I came in 796th place, that’s in the top 16%. I’ll take it!
I didn’t know what to expect since I don’t enter races like this one and I don’t think of myself as a strong runner. I’ll run for cardio once in a while during the week but I don’t push myself for time and sometimes I’ll do intervals, and they do get my heart rate up. So my placement was a surprise.
I truly believe my diet played a big part in my performance.
1. I made sure to drink plenty of water the day before. Remember even a 3% drop in body water percentage can decrease your power by up to 30%. And if a person is dehydrated it takes up to 24 hours to rehydrate your body. So plan ahead.
2. I made sure not too eat any refined carbohydrates 2-3 days before the race.
3. I ate balanced meals of carbohydrates, healthy oils, with vegetarian protein the day of the race. I had an energizing green smoothie from my easy veggie meal plan weight loss program.
4. Load up on fruits and veggies for energy and keeping you feeling light on your feet.
Make sure not to eat too close to the start of the race or you may feel bogged down. Eat 1-2 hours prior to the race. If you need a little energy close to race time, eat a piece of fruit. This should give you quick energy.
One of my clients, Patrick had never run in his life so doing this race took courage. After finishing the race, he liked it so much he signed up for another race coming up in just a couple of months! What’s amazing about Patrick is he used to be diabetic and ate lots of junk food and fast food before I met him and his feet had turned blue from lack of circulation then he took on a vegetarian lifestyle and exercise and today he has happy feet and no need for insulin. I’m so proud of him for the transformation he has gone through and ultimately stepping out side his comfort zone and completing the race. Congrats Patrick!
Thanks everyone who came out and made it a really fun event! Can’t wait to do it again!
Remember- it’s always more fun with friends.
What do you do to prepare for a race on a veggie diet?
Kardena Pauza
Author of Easy Veggie Meal Plans – 90 Day Vegetarian Weight Loss Program
Hi Kardena
It’s great to know how you prepare for a race. I’ve intensified my training over the past couple of months (learning a martial art) and I’m really struggling for energy. Most sessions are 1 1/2 hours, however once a week I train for 2 1/2 hours with a short 5 minute break in between.
How would you suggest preparing for training and refuelling in between? I have your Vege Meal Plan and have seriously cut out all meat products / bi-products etc, however I’m still eating eggs (sorry) 🙂
Thank you and loving the posts!
A 🙂
Hi Karate Kid!
You are kicking butt on your workouts and diet, great work!
2 1/2 hours is a long training session. When you go over 1 hour you run the risk of breaking down muscle. Good you get small break though, this helps the muscles recover.
The days you have a longer training session, make sure you eat a little more calories starting with breakfast. During workout, eat small bites of food when you have a break after the 1 hour point. Keep it light like apple or veggies, possibly a couple almonds. This will keep you going strong and have clean energy.
Kar
Awesome Kardena, thank you, this will really help 🙂
The weather is getting colder here in Australia as winter approaches and I’m finding myself wanting more warm food and eating more… so eater more cals on my workout days wont be a problem 🙂
Keep up the fantastic posts, we love hearing from you.
A x
Hello Warrior Kardena, Wow thank you for the tribute! That is awesome! I will never forget the first day I came to you. That was a most certainly a turning point in my life. I recall vividly my doctor saying I need to need to do something. He was referring for me to do more exercises. I did workout on my own though, I didn’t push myself as hard as you pushed me though. That first free workout that you offered was extremely intense!! I thought I would never return – hahaha but when I got home to discover my blue foot was back to normal… WOW that changed my view point and my life! Thank you so much Kardena. I have learned so much from you! I am eating healthier, exercising & learning more each and every day. You Rock! You are my hero! Just so you know Kardena, you do make a difference in people’s lives! Hugs! Warrior Patrick
Hey P!
I’m so proud of you! You have really come a long way. Thanks for the acknowledgment. It is really a team effort, we are a great team!
Hugs,
Kar
great post as usual!
Thanks Tom!