Ok runner friends – I need some advice!
Trying to put together some plans for our first full marathon next weekend, and need help with some of these decisions.
- Do you bring your fuel belt or rely on course aid stations? I’m thinking I’ll carry Gu packets but rely on stations for water and Gatorade. What’s your tactic? Keep in mind that I’m used to running in Florida heat so cooler weather means I drink far less than usual. Will aid stations be there when I need them?
- My shoes have 250 miles on them. Should I get a new pair of the same model so they’re fresh for the race? I’m not trying to set any land-speed records, but if there’s ever a time that fresh shoes make a difference, I’d assume this is it. I’ll have to buy them in the next few weeks anyway. Thoughts?
- Will we be able to walk, drink and dine on Saturday night, after the race? We’re hoping to hang out at the post-race party for a while, then head back to our hotel to shower and nap. Then, we intend to celebrate in a very serious fashion since we’ve been on restriction for 18 weeks. I want to make dinner reservations but I’m curious if we’ll be able to walk around the downtown area or if we should plan to post up at one bar/restaurant and hang out around there most of the night.
- Lastly, how about our 7 hour drive home on Sunday? Will we be comfortable enough? Is that going to be as easy as I’m expecting or will be all tight and sore and crampy?
These are the things that keep me Googling all day, friends. I’m curious – and you’ve got so much experience! Help me out here. What’s my ideal approach?
Based on my massive experience (running ONE marathon)…
1. I brought about 6 gels but ended up using more than that and got additional ones from the aid stations. I had this lulu tank with gel pockets all over the bra area. It was called “Stuff Your Bra” and it was kind of hilarious but it worked for me. Also, I expect Rock-n-Roll to be more organized but I was really slow and they ran out of water! Next time I’m running with a hydration pack.
2. Yes!!! Get new shoes right now and run in them every day until the marathon. This is what I would do – BUT shoes only last about 250 miles for me, so you might get more miles out of yours. I got new shoes right before the race (I knew they needed no break in time) – I think I ran 5 miles in them before the marathon and everything was fine. I think the older shoes would have been worse.
3. I walked around for a while after the race but after about an hour I just wanted to sit/lie. I think everyone is different, but I’d go conservative and plan on staying in one place for most of the night. Maybe you can take a nap in the afternoon?
4. It might be annoying to drive home on Sunday but I think you’ll be okay if you get a decent night’s sleep. You might feel crampy but it’s doable. The day after my marathon I took the day off and laid in bed, but I’m a wuss.
You ROCK Portia!! Ordering shoes now. Anyone giving me permission to order new shoes is solid gold, in my book …
Gels: done. Water: may have to run with the belt. . . we’ll see.
Also I can’t believe it’s NEXT WEEKEND already!!!
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NO KIDDING. It seemed forever-ago that we started training.
For me, after running for about 5 miles I rely on aid stations to keep me hydrated. Still, it helps if you have your own backup water pack in case those stations do run out.
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