MCM is 9 days away (well, 8 days, 19 hours, 56 minutes).
It is getting harder and harder to remain calm. My thoughts are consumed with the marathon. I am doubting my training and hoping I did ‘enough’. I was supposed to run 6 miles on Tuesday and I ran 3. I was supposed to run 4.5 miles on Thursday and I ran 3. No excuse other then I didn't have the time (but I COULD have made time). My training plan calls for 8-10 miles this weekend. I am going to run a 10k with a new runner and my plan is to run 2 miles before the race and 2 miles after.
I’m also stressing about not having all the logistics planned. Destination racing is tricky. I wanted to get a hotel room near the start so I could roll out of bed and walk to the start. I procrastinated and every damn hotel in VA & DC is sold out or will cost a fortune. So, I am going to stay with my dad and take the METRO from Vienna, VA to the Pentagon station. Do I know anything about the Metro or these train stops – NOPE. I was born & raised in NYC so I should be able to figure out the metro, right?! I figure there will be 9850948539085 runners around and I will follow them. Let’s hope I follow someone doing the marathon & not the 10k! I have no idea what time I should arrive at the start – I think they are asking for runners to be there by 6am?!
How many times of me checking the weather would be considered obsessive and borderline crazy? I think I’m walking a thin line. I have no idea what I am wearing race day. Well, I have a clue; I know I will be wearing:
- Pink Compression calf sleeves
- Black knee length shorts (same pair of shorts I have run EVERY race in!)
I wanted to get a custom shirt but again I procrastinated. Is it possible to iron on dri fit material? I definitely need my name on my shirt.
Should I carry my own water? I trained with my hand held and I have no problem running with it. In fact I like to run with it b/c I hate getting caught up in the congestion of water stops. But on the other hand my water bottle will only last until about mile 10 and then I will need to refill it which I feel may be a pain in the ass. A part of me would love to have my hands free but I’m scared that I will need something to drink and the water stop will be 2 miles away.I think the water stops are approx every 2-3 miles. I am planning on bringing Clif Shot Bloks for fuel and eating 1 every 2 miles. Then there is the issue of where am I going to store said Shot Bloks and my cell phone. I have a spi-belt that I ran every long run with and it chaffed me so bad every time.
Next, my garmin has been acting funky and my worst fear is that it doesn't work race day. I am going to test it out tomorrow at the 10k. If its still not acting right I am going to purchase a new one. The one I have is refurbished and I bought it off of ebay so I have no warranty information etc…
I cant even get into pace and when I want to finish right now! I get so nervous thinking about it. I’ll be back early next week to discuss my goals.
Lastly- I need music suggestions! Also, any suggestions for first time marathoners is welcome!
For the shirt you can put your name on with tape. You can use thin white tape to make your letters for your name OR you can take a wide piece of tape and write it out. OR you can order from this company a bib with your name: http://www.races2remember.com/MyNamesOrder.php?cart=&dc=&sh=1&cu=&da=Oct-23-2010&pa= I know nothing about them, or quality but I did see someone at CHicago with a name thing on her back and it looked good.
ReplyDeleteAlso I didn't get a hotel for the Chicago Marathon until 3 days before and I paid a good price by going to priceline!
My last suggestion is the music: Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti which is the Rocky Theme song.
Hoped I helped!
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ReplyDeletetry again :o)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your first marathon! I just ran my first marathon, Chicago, on 10-10-10.
To quote one of the awesome diarists from the Chicago marathon:
It all comes down to this: finishing the journey you started just a few months ago. You are ready. No rethinking your strategy. No focusing on what could have been. You’re here and you are ready. You’ve trained and trained and trained. You kept a promise to yourself to do this. You are here to reward all your hard work. This is your day.
Eat well. Stay hydrated. Get plenty of rest. You will soon be a marathoner!
Good luck to you.
Good luck! If you've been training with your water bottle than it might be good to have with you. I've had my water bottle refilled from pitchers at aid stations or just pour 2 cups in and fill it half way
ReplyDeleteThe first song that came on in my first marathon was Dancing Queen - Abba. It was awesome.
ReplyDeleteI carried a Camelbak during both marathons and had to stop during the marathon to refill them. It's ok. carry whatever you feel comfortable with.
Trust the miles that you've put in. I promise they will carry you through. Good luck! lots of love heading your way.
I think you will do fine!! Not sure about how to handle the other issues - I've never run longer than 5k - take a deep breath - you will be fine! :D
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to have your first marathon just a stone's throw away now!! Definitely pumped for you.
ReplyDeleteSome suggestions... I would definitely take my own water. You might be hating your fuel belt around Mile 18 or 22 but you will be glad you took it. You don't want to rely on the race for your hydration needs because they might not be able to meet em.
Checking the weather 300,000 times is normal, acceptable and encouraged. You're going to fret over it anyway, might as well check it.
Rely on your training. Don't doubt yourself. No matter what happens during the race, you've trained so hard and have been so determined that you are not going to let anything stop you.
Make a checklist and use it to prepare for race so you don't forget anything. You'd be surprised what you can forget. Like, I forgot my fuel belt when I went to San Francisco. Realized that when I was in San Francisco :(
As far as music, I've been listening to a lot of Flogging Molly, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Wolfmother lately. Metallica is a staple for me in any race. I like the long 9-minute long Metallica songs. I can just zone out and run nice and easy to those songs.
Anyway, good luck!!! Let me know if you need any more tips or advice. I'd be glad to pass along whatever I can.
First, BREATHE!. Remain calm.
ReplyDeleteNext, you'll want to try NOTHING new on race day. Stick to your training. If you ran with a bottle in training, then run with one in the race. Get one that you don't mind throwing away after mile 10.
The spi-welt held your clif shots, so use that. If it causes chafing, then try using Body-Glide on your skin where it chafes.
I put my name on my shirt with magic marker. It was worth it to "ruin" one shirt. Heck, you'll wear it in the next big race, right? It definitely helps to hear people scream your name. :)
New Forerunner? Maybe. I bought one because mine was acting crazy. Just be aware that sometimes new gear does freak out.
Hope the 10K went well. Try to rest this week and let those legs heal up. Be gentle on yourself and get more sleep than you think you need.
Remember if you need ANY help with race day logistics don't hesitate to holla at me :)
ReplyDeleteHere's my # if you need it: 703-489-9107 (thou you might already have it when we tried to meet up that past time you were in town)
Amanda, you are going to do great! I just read the blog, and I want to remind you of what an awesome, inspirational person you are.
ReplyDeleteThe doubts and fears you are having are so normal. It is okay to freak out a little now. LB gave you some GREAT advice!
I am so excited to finally be able to meet you there! You are going to have so much fun.
See you this weekend. Get some sleep and hydrate well this week.
Amanda, I just ran my first marathon on 10.10.10 in Chicago as well.
ReplyDeleteBelieve in yourself- you've put the time and training in, this is the good part. Allow yourself to enjoy it. Soak it up. Don't let the nerves ruin this for you; embrace them! Look around at all of the people cheering you on (best thing I ever did was put my name on my shirt!) and relish in it, girl. This is going to be an amazing experience for you!
I am getting excited for you - 2 days!!
ReplyDelete