First Half - Concerns

[Rpsemont]

I must admit, while I feel like I've done pretty good at training, I'm getting a little anxious. I had planned to get some new gear a few weeks ago, but we were one of those people who lost power for a week (and were "displaced" for 7 days) and with the holidays, it really set me back (at least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it )

So, the main concerns:
Shoes - I bought new ones a few weeks ago, but I'm not sure I'm happy with them. Maybe I'll just wear the older ones - I was told at the running store they're just starting to show wear. I continue to wear the new ones to "save" the old ones. I have not worn the new ones outside yet.
Socks _ I had really wanted to get some "running" socks but haven't done it and am concerned because I don't want to break the golden rule - nothing new on race day
Shorts or not - My choices for running bottoms. shorts or lighweight fleece sweats. The shorts I would wear don't really fit Under the sweats. I really need some running capries - can you really not wear new ones on race day?
If I buy them tomorrow, and wear them for my 6 miler this weekend will that work?
I never run with fanny pack, but would like to have one on for the half - just for camera, poncho, etc. Do I need to wear one this week for training?

I can possibly borrow some high quality rain gear. Should I do that or just wear a poncho?

In hindsight, this is a horrible maraton for a nor'easter to train for. Everything was great until thanksgiving and then between snow, ice, cold, holidays, DD birthday, it's been a REAL challenge to continue to prepare. I haven't run/walked outside for 5 weeks - only the treadmill - not the same.
The plus side, is that I probably have done more crosstraining since I'm inside

Vaseline - I've been told by a couple people that it can help eliminate "hot spots" - does this fall into the nothing new on race day?

Pre race dinner - pre race breakfast and water concerns - I want to finish, but I never eat breakfast - I am not a big water drinker- I usually do my long runs on nothing before with just about 3-4 oz throughout, if that. I don't want to do anything different on race day, but also don't want to come up short. I did eat a power bar before my 10 miler and that seems to be fine, but I only did that once.

So any thoughts or advise you have would be greatly appreciated.

 

[skfulkers]

Ok, here are my thoughts:

Shoes--if your old ones really do have some life left in them, I would stick with those. You'll have time after the half in your upcoming training to mess with the new shoes and see if they really do fit well or if there is an issue with them. You wouldn't want to find out at mile 7 of the race that your new shoes were giving you problems. I would stick with the "ones that brung you here" and wear your old trainers.

Socks--go get some running socks. Now. Immediately. No, seriously, they are amazing. This is just me talking, but if I had been wearing cotton socks in training and I didn't have a chance to get moisture-wicking socks until I got to the race expo, I would still buy some and wear them the next day. I know that breaks the "nothing new on race day" rule, but those socks really are worth it.

Running capris--I had to ask my DW on this one, since I normally don't wear capris, at least not for running. She said that she would go with the capris, but if you can get them in time to do your 6 miler this weekend in them, definitely do it. The funny thing about shorts/tights/capris is that any given pair can give you "rubbage" in the wrong areas and can be very uncomfortable. Most should be fine, but you'd hate to get a pair that causes discomfort and once again, not find out till mile 7 of the race.

Fanny pack--if you're going to wear one in the race, get a decent training run in with this thing. Fanny packs, gel holders, fuel belts: they're all great products, but if you're not used to them, they can really throw you off as they do add weight and that weight distribution can be annoying for some people. I would say if you haven't done this one in training, I wouldn't start with it on race day.

Rain gear--if everything you're wearing for the race is moisture-wicking (and/or a windbreaker over top), I wouldn't worry about trying to get high end rain gear. The rain gear would be great for the starting corrals in case if inclement weather, but unless you planned to run in it (which again, I wouldn't recommend unless you have done it in training), you'll have to throw these out at the starting line and I'm guessing you wouldn't want to ditch the high end stuff. If rain is in the forecast, bring a garbage bag to wear in the starting corrals and then moisture-wicking running clothes combined with a vented running hat work would work very well.

Vaseline--I would choose Body Glide over vaseline since the body glide won't mess up your clothes, but yes, either of these products are well worth it. They do indeed eliminate hot spots, chaffing, rubbing, etc, etc. You can even put the stuff on your feet to help prevent blisters. This is another one that I think would be ok to use for the first time on race day as it should take away discomfort rather than adding to it. Body Glide will be available at about 50 different locations at the marathon expo, and the med tents along the marathon course also have vaseline that you can use if you're starting to get a hot spot during the race.

Pre-race/during race food--again, stick with what you've done in training here. If you're not used to eating 25 lbs of spaghetti the night before a long run, don't do it on race weekend, either. The same with nutrition during the race. If you're used to running with smaller amounts of fluid and nutrition, and you didn't "bonk" too bad on any of your training runs, stick with that plan. I would still try to take in a decent amount of fluid at the aid stations along the course, but don't try anything drastically different than what you've done in the past.

Really, when it comes down to it, the race should just be a slightly longer training run than you've done in the past weeks. In fact, it will probably feel much easier than training because of the excitement of race weekend. Don't fret too much over the list above, but the simple fact that you're taking these things into consideration means you are probably better prepared than most people. Good luck next weekend!!

Steve

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I agree with Steve.

Fixing bad socks for good socks overules the rule on anything new. Bodyglide is way better than Vaseline.

As far as breakfast, you will probably be up and heading to the bus stop at least 1 hr. Than you have another 2 hrs before start of race. The race could take 3 -3 1/2 hrs(depending on your pace). This means no food for 6 hrs. This will lead to crashes. I would try to eat a banana or bar for breakfast and take something to start. Everyone is different but low blood sugar and poor performance could result. See if you can practice a little as race is a week away.

Good luck!

 

[Cruella de mom]

I agree with Robert on the breakfast part. Take SOMETHING with you as you get on the bus to the start. It does not have to be breakfast food but it should be something you have eaten before a run before (and handled well) Pack that powerbar!

I am unlike most runners. I don't eat pasta the night before a race. Pasta leaves me hungry and feeling empty the morning of a race. I need a healthy dose of protein instead. I like a steak and potato. It sticks with me. Perhaps you could eat a heavier meal later than most other runners to make up for no breakfast.

Water: Depending on when you start and how fast you run, the heat and humidity may or may not play a factor in your water consumption. If you feel hot or you are sweating more than usual then please drink extra gatorade at the fuel stops.

Get the socks and the capris. Wash them in the sink. Wear them on your 6 mile run. If you like them, take them with you. I actually wore a new shirt at a race when the weather turned out cold at the last minute. I bouught it at the expo, washed it in the sink at the hotel and let it air dry. I was fine. So was dh who did the same thing.

Don't over think this. Don't get so tied up in knots making sure you do what all the advice says to do.

Follow the routine that you know works for you but think about the differences: Do you normally get up to run at 3 am? Do you normally sit around in the dark for 2 hours before a run? You have to factor that time into how you change up your routine.

It sounds to me like you are more than ready and you will do just fine!

 

[TnTsParty]

I definately would try and get your 6 miler in wearing your capri's and a fanny pack if you want to use it during the race. I wore my new fuel belt on my 20 miler and it worked great. Then I got the bright idea that I could use a different/taller bottle and have more to drink. Good thing I tried the taller bottle out on my 2 miler the other day because as soon as I took off I realized why they have the size bottle with it - the taller bottle banged into my back the whole time but since it was only a 2 miler I didn't turn around but I wouldn't want that for the whole 13 miles.

Its good that you are thinking of these things now. Get the things you want to use during your remaining runs this week - even if its a 2 miler and/or on the treadmill (I actually did my 20 miler on the TM) I am actually going out in a bit for an 8 or 10 miler wearing my new running capri's that I just got yesterday since I see that the temps might be cooler then shorts weather (I am a native Floridian so 60s is cold to me!! LOL)

 

[Rpsemont]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I get out this afternoon and pick up socks and capris.

I should probably add that I'm a walk/run type racer so I'm thinking the fanny pack probably won't be a problem. I'm not going to carry water, just camera, poncho, energy bar (just in case). But maybe I will strap it on for the TM this weekend.

Follow the routine that you know works for you but think about the differences: Do you normally get up to run at 3 am? Do you normally sit around in the dark for 2 hours before a run? You have to factor that time into how you change up your routine

.

Good point!

Add to that I probably won't sleep the night before.

 

[TnTsParty]

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I get out this afternoon and pick up socks and capris.

I should probably add that I'm a walk/run type racer so I'm thinking the fanny pack probably won't be a problem. I'm not going to carry water, just camera, poncho, energy bar (just in case). But maybe I will strap it on for the TM this weekend.

I think that is a good idea that you "practice" carrying everything you plan on taking with you even if its just on the TM. I too am a run/walk type racer - I tend to get more running done the longer I am out there. Hopefully the 2 hours before hand will be put to good use and I can move as quickly in the first couple miles as I feel I do once I get a few miles in.

I just got back from what I thought was a 10 miler - turns out to be only a 9 miler. But it felt good and I had good time. It was a little warm (73F) but I felt fine wearing my new running capri's and a sleeveless shirt.

Good luck with your "practice" and next Saturday at the half!!

 

[Rpsemont]

Well, I did get my practice in on Saturday - 6.20 miles 1.5 hours. Forgot the fanny pack, but tried my new pants and socks and am I glad I did. I bought what seems to be light breathable socks, but I think they were too light and thin. I got an almost blister on my toe - and just after six miles! I'll probably stick with the cotton heavy socks I've been wearing. It's supposed to be cooler, anyway.
I bought some tight racing pants - underlayer type stuff. Figure I will wear under my shorts, they're very breathable if it gets warm and I can wear them for long underwear when not usning them for running

Thanks again for all the advise!

 

[solotraveler]

Not to throw another log on the fire... but if you can find thicker wicking socks at the expo, I'd snag a pair for the race instead of using the old cotton ones.

I'm a thick sock guy myself... the little thin things do nothing for me. Since you were wearing thick socks when you trained (and presumably when you bought the shoes), it make sense that there was a little extra space (and hence rubbing) when you wore the thinner socks.

Kevin

 

[bubba73]

I bought some racing socks several months ago to wear when I did my first 5k and hated them. They were not comfortable at all. I went back to my cotton socks and have been much happier. I know I am "living dangerously" by not using the racing socks but my feet don't hurt as bad after a long run. Will they have anything at the expo that would be worth my while or should I not chance it?

"I'm too excited to sleep!" I'm going to Disney World!!

Bryan

 

[Aisleleven]

Tried and true advice...

NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!!

No matter how tempting it might be at the Expo to buy all the shiny new socks, shoes, clothes or enticed to try a new gel or power bar "cause it is such a great product"...Do what you have done up to this point in your training for the race!!

If you want to buy the socks at the Expo then you can start breaking them in as soon as you want AFTER you cross the finish line...you know...when you start training for the next race...

Trust me...there WILL be a next one!!

 

[Rpsemont]

Well, I was at walmart this morning and bought some supposed wicking socks that are 62% cotton, then other fibers and are thicker. I'll try them on some of my workouts with my sneakers this week.
Thanks for all the advise.
I'm feeling VERY anxious!

 

[CarolA]

OK, I swear by the Wright Sock that's two layers if that makes any sense. I think they call them cool mesh. I have never had a blister in them. Here's the deal. If they don't cost more then any other socks you own, you probably didn't get good ones LOL! These are actually hard to find for me. They always have them at Expos, but my only other reliable source is REI.

I am sorry, but I have tried the WalMart/Target etc... it's not the same. Most of my other running gear (besides shoes) comes from Target. I love it, but the socks and shoes... got to spend money there LOL!

 

[bunnyfoo]

My favourite running socks are Smart Wool. They're really breathable and I don't get blisters in them. I recently lost a pair to my washing machine and my non-running friends couldn't figure out why I was upset. I told them that they don't sell them by the bagful at WM.

 

[Cruella de mom]

I'm feeling VERY anxious!

Race day is so magical that you will be amazed. You are going to do just fine.