(0) The number of aching muscles I have remaining.
(1) The number of medals I added to my collection.
(2) The number of times I plan to redeem myself in 2011.
Some advice as I reflect on my marathon...
- Test run nutrition with a later run. I can run at 5am without much on my stomach. A run at 8:30am, however, requires something a little more substantial in the early hours.
- Wear something that makes you stand out. It could be your name on your shirt - I still remember cheering "Linda" in the purple shirt across the finish. Or it could be something bright - like my lime skirt and socks. I got a TON of cheers for "Go Green Skirt" or "Go Green Socks", and I always felt like I had to pull myself together when I heard those words.
- If you have cheerleaders and they aren't going to travel the course, ask them to pick a point towards the end of the race (but not the finish). It's those last 6-8 miles where you are desperate for a friendly face and some encouragement. Usually at the finish, you are focused on getting to that line and then you're shuffled off for your medal or photos or whatever and you don't really get to see people that much.
- Bring a water bottle, even if you throw it away after 1 mile. You never know how delayed the start might be and/or how long it might take you to get across the start and to the first station.
Something I think I did right was not expend too much energy getting around people. I wasn't going for landspeed records, so I was ok with being a little patient until there was an easy path around. And I was really really focused on running the tangents and considering my Garmin only read 26.35, I think I did a good job of it (especially since they said upfront that the course was 26.3).
Even though I have a half-marathon on 1/1/11, I am officially on a mental break from "training". I'm going to run based on how I feel and leave it at that... for at least the next month. I'm looking forward to it. Although I already got the "where have YOU been" at the gym today from the staff.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
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13 comments:
Yay! I'm glad there are good sides for you now! I'm taking your advice - and pretending you are giving it for a 1/2. I think the biggie I'm learning from you is all about fueling for a run. I admit I am terrible about it - so I think I'll start practicing NOW!
Exciting you have another 1/2 one so soon. That'll be a piece of cake now that you are a Marathoner!
yay from mental breaks of training. meeee too.
i'm jealous you have no nagging muscles! my entire right legs is...well it's not hating on me but there's not a whole lot of love there either
Great post and insight!
Great tips!!! I'm really worried about the first tip you listed. I don't know how I'll manage doing a run later in the day. :( I've been worrying about that for a while. Haha, I think you've just inspired me to wear something crazy for my first marathon. That's neat people were cheering on Green!
Running based on how you feel is great. I did a nine-miler without looking at my Garmin yesterday, and it felt amazing. The splits for my last seven miles varied by only eight seconds. Haha, try not to go nuts on your break from training. :)
I'm still so proud of my marathon buddy!!!!
I'm glad to hear there are good sides. Its almost time to start training for my first full. AHHHH
Lesley - Glad to hear that you are in better spirits today! Take it easy for a little bit and I will see you for that half in a couple of weeks. We have to stay together on that one... with only 200 people on the course I feel like it can get pretty lonely! We will have lots of time to chat and catch you for your 2011 plans!
good you are feeling better so soon after. says something for your fitness level!
where is your new years day 1/2 at? there is one down here on that day as well, but its a pretty boring course and no frills so i never do it.
Im doing my first half on March 27. I hope to just not walk any of it, who cares about time. I plan on doing a marathon at the end of the year (October-ish) if I can find one. Good to know there is an upside when it doesnt go the way you plan.
@Julia - In Allen, TX. It's a small 200 person event. First year. Race director is a personal friend, and I wouldn't miss it!!!
@Mrs. G - Any chance it's the Dallas RnR???
We did it lady!!! I want to redeem myself ASAP!
Nutrition and balancing that with different times of the day is tricky. It varies a lot from person to person. I think we never eat enough. Its all a game of learning and you'll be better and better with every new race.
All of those are really good tips. have a great weekend!
Just stumbled over to your blog from Christina's and what great tips! I'll have to go back and catch up for a bit. Good job on pushing through the marathon... I can't even imagine being in that same position, but you pulled through and that's amazing. :)
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