I try to abstain from sleeping aids the week before a race - even if it means I get very little sleep the entire week. It's odd, but I think I do my best running on very little sleep. It never fails: I feel rested and ready to run on race morning despite sleeping poorly leading up to the run.
Earlier this year, I ran a 50k in Bandera. I drove to the race at midnight, got there at 5am, ran the race (ran a PR, by the way) and drove back home immediately after I finished...and STILL had a difficult time sleeping that night. 5k, 10k, 30k, 60k, 50 miler...same result: no sleep that night.
I like coffee. I really, really like coffee, but on race day (and starting a few days before) I don't drink any. It's even more surprising (to me) that I don't feel tired race day considering I slept very little AND had no coffee.
Nerves leading up to the race? Possibly, but I don't think so. Psychological? Maybe.
I'm going to go with it being nerves. I don't know how you do it. You run better with no sleep. For example Hells Hills! You slept two hours and ran 50 miles....that's INSANE! I think you should count your blessings and just keep doing what you're doing.
ReplyDeleteIf it ain't broke, don't fix it???
DeleteYup. Unless...you know what's causing it.
ReplyDeleteI think my lack of sleep is causing it. Hahahahaha!!!
Delete