One week from today, I will be finished running my first half marathon of 2013: The Divas Half Marathon in Myrtle Beach. This will be a target race for me in which I’m trying to get closer to reaching my big goals for the year. I chose this race because it’s flat, within driving distance of where I live and allowed me to get a full 16-week training cycle in solely focused on the half marathon distance.

Yesterday, I ran my last long run before race day. I decided to run alone since none of my awesome running partners will be with me next weekend – I am going to have to push myself to achieve the pace I want to run, which is going to take a lot of mental strength. I ended up running 8.5 miles at an 8:11 average pace, with 3 of those miles at/near goal pace: 8:02, 8:00 and 8:07.

A successful race day isn’t just about the night before or what you do the morning of the race. It’s about all the decisions we make in the days and weeks leading up to the race.

These are the 7 things I’m going to focus on during the next 7 days:

1. Get 8 hours of sleep each night. There are so many factors that contribute to how we feel when we’re running or racing, and sleep is one of those factors. It’s hard to get a full 8 hours of sleep the night before a race when anticipation is running high and the alarm clock is set so early. However, getting adequate sleep in the days and weeks leading up to a race can dramatically affect how you feel on race day, regardless of how much sleep you may get the night before. (There are studies showing this, my friends!)

2. Eat clean. Well, at least cleaner. During the past few weeks, I’ve eaten terribly. I’ve been the equivalent of a human garbage disposal. I’ve exercised little discipline or will power when it comes to food. I’ll eat great for 2 days and then terrible for the next 3. I’m about 4 pounds heavier than my happy weight right now, but this week I’m committing to eating clean. This will include focusing on lean proteins, good carbs and plenty of fruits and vegetables (dialing back on high fiber foods 24 hours before the race). Eating clean and maintaining a happy weight is important for running and racing success. I’ve heard that for every pound you lose, you can expect to run about 2 seconds per mile faster … that means with my extra 4 pounds, I could potentially see an 8-second per mile difference. Of course everyone is different and it is not a perfect science, but that is reason enough to eat clean.

3. Stay hydrated. Being hydrated this week – and not just the day before the race – is key. I will be focused on drinking plenty of water and at least 16 to 20 ounces of Nuun each day to help balance my electrolytes. I recently tried the new flavors and I’m loving Cherry Limeade and Watermelon!

4. Back off of boot camp. As many of you know, I do 2 days of strength training with FitWit each week. We do a lot of leg work. Starting last week, I began to back off all leg work, doing modifications for anything involving squatting, jumping, lunging, etc. that would put strain on my legs. The key is to have your legs feeling fresh on race day.

5. Don’t underestimate rest. I consistently perform better after taking a few days off. I know that can feel a little scary right before a big race where you have big goals, but it works. I’m taking today off, as well as Friday and Saturday before the race. I’m also getting a sports massage this week to help get my legs into the best place they can be.

6. Stop self-doubting. A lot of self-doubt has been creeping into my head lately. Can I really run an 8:05 pace for 13.1 miles? How can I really be as fast as I want to be if it is extremely hot or windy next Sunday? I’m not sure if a PR is really possible. Blah, blah, blah. This week is the time to start thinking Run Happy thoughts. This is the week where I start formalizing my race day mantras and telling them to myself every day. I created a Run Happy Pinterest board (inspired by my friends at Brooks Running) to remind me that I am strong, I am fierce and I can do this!  I have also started visualizing what my #RunHappyIs. Brooks launched this really cool app that gives us the chance to share what running happy means to us. Here’s mine for race day:

7. Brush up my playlist. Before every big race, I like to download a lot of new songs onto my iPod so I have something new and exciting to look forward to in my ear buds. When you run for hours at a time and listen to the same songs over and over and over, it can get old. Spicing up your playlist with some new music right before race day gives me some extra oomph when I need it most during those tough miles. Be on the lookout for my new playlist later this week!

Here is what my race week workout schedule looks like:

• Sunday: Rest
• Monday: AM: Strength training (arms and abs only)/PM: Easy 4-mile run as part of the solidarity for Boston run
• Tuesday: AM: Strength training (arms and abs only)/PM: 4 x 600 at 6:40 pace
• Wednesday: Easy swim
• Thursday: AM: Easy 3-mile run/PM: Sports massage (60 minutes)
• Friday: Rest
• Saturday: Rest
• Sunday: Race Day! 13.1 miles!

Disclosure: I am a Brooks Run Happy Ambassador and receive compensation and free Brooks products to test. The thoughts and opinions I express about Brooks and their products are my own and always will be.

What are your race week rituals and tips? 
If you have a Run Happy pinterest board or if you create your own #RunHappyIs graphic, link them up in the comments below! 
Who else is racing this weekend?