"on a shoestring"

So my good boss is happy with the accomplishment I just did when I got back from CamSur. He also loves running and wants to know How I got a new PR? So here’s some of our chat during our bonding time (Yes, I have a good boss. He always allows me to take a leave just to run).

Boss: How’s your CamSur 21K run?
James: It’s great Sir! I got a new PR!

Boss: PR?
James: It’s short for Personal Record or Personal Best Time (WR for World Record and OR for Olympic Record)

Boss: Wow! Congrats! So, what’s your time?
James: It’s 2:00:44. Just 45 seconds short of a sub-2 21K.

Boss: Wait, sub-2 21K?
James: Yes, sub-2 or below 2hours of running the 21K distance.

Boss: I see. Is that fast?
James: Not that fast considering that the WR for 21K is 58:23. But good enough!

Boss: What are the things you did in order to get that?
James: (Discusses to the boss like he knows running very well. I even thought of using a Powerpoint Presentation.)

1. I continuously trained. Although I don’t race every week or every month I make it a habit to continuously train so I will be ready in case there’s a race coming.
2. I hydrated properly. A week before the race, I have been drinking Gatorade to store electrolytes that my body needs come race day.
3. I experimented on my diet. I ate mostly carbs (pasta, bread, rice, etc) from Sunday to Thursday before the race. Then more on protein 2 days before the big day.
4. I slept well. This is the reason why sometimes I come late in the office. I actually slept for 10 hours 2 days before the race because I know that the night before the race, its either you get excited or get worried of not waking up in time for the gunstart.

Boss: Okay. I’m okay with you being late, as long as you always beat your PR.
James: Thanks boss! There’s more:

1. During the race, I took it easy on Km.1-8. Maintained a somewhat comfortable pace from Km.9-16 (a running buddy helped me here). And then I tried building up speed from Km.17 onwards. This is where I overtook a lot of runners. At the last kilometer, I ran like hell. Gave all I got when at the last 100meters (I think I overtook about 10 runners  here).
2. I didn’t stop at the 1^st, 2^nd and last water stations. The 1^st and 2^nd water stations are where the runners traffic build up, and I will not be needing the water at the last station because its very much near to the finish line.
3. I listened to my body. No iPod or MP3 player. I just want to be in harmony with my body and the nature around me.
4. I didn’t over-train. I ran less and ran faster. My last long run was 12K, a week before the race day.
   

   The night before the big day

5. I prepared my running stuff the night before to avoid unnecessary glitches on the morning of race day.I tried to relax and enjoy the route. I learned that being stiff wastes energy. I also got boosts from the cheers of the towns folk (you should see that next time boss).Over-all, I ran my own race. I didn’t care if others were over-taking me at the first kilometers. I told myself, “I’m competing with myself, my PR.” And “I don’t want to waste my trainings, I will give my best.”

Boss: Congrats James! I’m proud of you. Let me know if you have out-of-town race. I want to give my full support! Let’s run sometime!
James: Sure boss. Thanks to you too!

RUN YOUR OWN RACE. BEAT YOUR PR and BEAT IT AGAIN!

Disclaimer: This dialogue did not happen. I was just dreaming of a boss like that. If there is one, I would like to work for him. I just wanted to share some tips on how to break your PR.