Official 2011 Princess Half Marathon Thread - Link to new thread Post 3703!

[dumbo_buddy]

for those of us who are beginners (some are still doing c25k), what are your eating habits like?

i would really like to lose about 10 lbs. unfortunately, this running is making me very hungry and i find myself eating alot of crap (summer bbqs don't help either).

is anyone following a good runner's diet? what about hydration? i've usually been running in the morning after my coffee and sometimes a bowl of cereal. as the miles increase i'm wondering how necessary it is to take water with me and/or food.

my weekday runs are with my son in a jogger - i'm afraid i won't be able to train according to any of the guides as 1) that jogger is heavy! and 2) my son will NOT want to hang out in that stroller for too long!

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

thanks for the words of encouragement! it will definitely be a special event for both of us, i don't care about any awards.. like you said, the medal is enough! I guess i'm going to need to look into a "my size" tutu!

We can't wait to see you in a tutu!! Seriously, it was the couple teams that had the best t-shirts. I would never be as clever as some of them. It isn't often that you are running, jogging, walking or speed walking and start laughing from what someone has on the back of their t-shirts. Some were dressed up like a Princess with her Prince too but those guys were really dedicated. Wasn't there a guy dressed up like Snow White this year for the others that ran? I thought that there was Snow White and some other princess together but my memory escapes me!! Regardless, so many people do get dressed up and I think the cold weather presents a great opportunity to do so.

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

when/where do you all do your runs?
do you have different places you run? or do you run the same routes?

I mainly run around my subdivision. When the 3 girls go back to school in about a week I will probably start switching it up a bit. I also have a park that has a winding trail that I ran on once. I would like to run there more often and will probably start once the kids are not as much of an issue.

i'm going to google marathoning for mortals. i've seen it mentioned a few times. i think your plan sounds pretty good! it would be nice to do at least one 13 mile run just to know you can do it. i still haven't done 5 miles yet!

I haven't done 5 yet either. Tomorrow will be my first time.

I am as well using the training program from Marathonging for Mortals. I loved the book, and currently using the walk/run plan. I believe the final goal is to be able to walk 3min / run 2 min. However during the training part where I am at now I am only doing 3:1, and I sometimes extend my running time if I am feeling good and can do it.

I am most like everyone else first time runner who never ran before and the plan is working really well for me. I am at about 12:46 mpm. Would love to get down to a flat 12 which I know I will be able to do (hopefully) Grant you no I am not out of breath when done with my workouts from pushing hard. I don't want top have to push hard and hurt myself always worried about that.

Time is not the essence for me. It is simply just to finish a half, earn that gorgeous tiara medal, and say "I Did It!"

Wow I am impressed. I am doing 3/2 run walk and I am pretty much at the same pace as you and I am breathing hard at the end of my runs. I must be more out of shape then I thought.

As I follow the plan for half in the marathon mortals book. I know it only has you doing no more then 10 miles (which is mst likely what I plan on, no more then 10 miles while training). I know they say the last 3 miles are mental.

What is everyone's thoughts on mileage for prepping for half marathons? Some people suggest try 11 or 12 miles becasue your close to 13 as opposed to doing just 10 miles.

Thoughts?????

I plan to do 13 to 14 miles in training. I have read several blogs and an article in Runner's World where people have "hit a wall" at 10 miles. I am very afraid of that happening so I want to make sure I get the full mileage in so that I *know* I can do it since I have done it before.

I know many people just do the 10 miles and it works for them, but I know myself and I think for me, mentally it is better to get the full mileage in.

also, and now i'm only up to running 3 or 4 miles, but the way things are going, there's no way the last 3 miles will just be mental - i feel like i will need to really train for them!

I am completely with you on that one.

THANK YOU so very much!!! I seriously appreciate any advice you so freely give.

Me too

I am sorry, but a lot of the coach's advice is bunk. 16 miles is not good prep for a marathon. You absolutely do not need to taper for a half, most certainly not to almost zero.

Check out the Letsrun or Runner's World forums for good advice.

I am sorry you do not agree with the coach's advice, but most of us are not at the same level of running as you are and I think pretty much every novice training program I have seen does have you taper off for a half. If you are use to doing a much higher mileage then sure I see no need to taper off since the 1/2 itself would be a taper for you, but for the rest of us it can be beneficial.

First all I am no expert, I followed the Galloway training program many years ago to complete 2 1/2 marathons and have started running again in prep for the Princess 1/2. Granted its a walk run program, but he has you do 14 miles 2 weeks before the race to get over the potential of any mental block so you can see you can do it and further. The next week long run is only 5 miles, then the next week is the race. It worked for me.

Here is the link. Good luck in your training.

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half_marathon.html

That is my thought process too.

 

[cewait]

I am sorry, but a lot of the coach's advice is bunk. 16 miles is not good prep for a marathon. You absolutely do not need to taper for a half, most certainly not to almost zero.

Check out the Letsrun or Runner's World forums for good advice.

OK – On Soapbox

I think my record stands on its own merit and frankly I don't care for the personal attack. This is a forum where we all attempt to support one another and negativity has no room. I think if one reads my posts carefully they can distinguish between what I offer as advice to that runner, what I do personally and what I would not do. When in doubt I will couch advice as such, specifically when folks quickly jump to medical judgments on injuries folks describe on the forum. Sorry, I find your post rude. If you have issue with a piece of advice then please phrase it in a constructive manner.

I am willing to compare experience - just for the record, I have successfully coached well over 500 runners through a marathon. I do not even know how many half marathons as I did not count the first few years. I have helped many folks get off the couch and through a 5k. I have also coached several hundred riders through long rides including rides like the MS 150 (which in Texas is 180 miles), as well as several Colorado rides. Finally I have coached nearly 100 folks through triathlons ranging from sprints to one triathlete who won a spot to Kona. Finally, I am a certified coach and certified trainer and am recognized through several national organizations.

Off Soapbox…

I humbly apologize to others on the rest of this thread and further into the forum. I really try not to be negative and often am supportive of alternaive opinion. I will attempt to correct/offer alternatives/offer what experience, research and science demonstrate as effective when I read things that are not exactly correct in my world. I will attempt to couch things in a way to keep you as safe and injury free as possible given the distance we all must work through.

But we all must continue to realize that training for a race is an experiment --- an experiment of one. I guarantee that what works for the runner next to you may not work for you. Frankly it gets even better and what worked last year may not work this year.

Thanks for listening.

 

[cewait]

for those of us who are beginners (some are still doing c25k), what are your eating habits like?

i would really like to lose about 10 lbs. unfortunately, this running is making me very hungry and i find myself eating alot of crap (summer bbqs don't help either).

is anyone following a good runner's diet? what about hydration? i've usually been running in the morning after my coffee and sometimes a bowl of cereal. as the miles increase i'm wondering how necessary it is to take water with me and/or food.

my weekday runs are with my son in a jogger - i'm afraid i won't be able to train according to any of the guides as 1) that jogger is heavy! and 2) my son will NOT want to hang out in that stroller for too long!

Nutrition can be a big issue for those coming off the couch… Your diet should be a balanced diet. I try to log meals online and review my CHO/Protein/Fat ratios regularly. Portion control is where I sink during stressful periods of training.
Based on your question I would point you to consuming a post run recovery meal/drink. There are several recovery products on the market but to save a few $$ I would point you to Ensure or Chocolate milk. You are looking for a Carb (CHO)/Protein ratio of 4:1. The meal ideally should be consumed 15-30 minutes post run to assure the protein gets into the muscle within the first hour post run. I also find that trying to consume 8-10 glasses of water through the day is a great way to kill the pangs.

I would suggest that if you are looking to increase mileage you get used to carrying some kind of water. I would like to see you with hydration once you are out past 30 – 40 minutes (plus or minus it really depends on ambient conditions and your sweat rate). Even plan on carrying some form of hydration through the cooler months.

As far as food on the run it is not necessary until you are out for 90 minutes or so. Once you hit that time period you will want to start consuming around the 45 minute mark of the run and then once every 30-40 minutes. Ask again once you hit that mark as there are a few things to consider once you are out for that period. Also, as miles/time increases I would suggest consuming a meal 30-60 minutes pre-run.

It’s not mandatory on shorter distances – a lot of recent research suggests that not consuming this meal will help the body learn to burn fat more efficiently. ---- and fat is the fuel of choice.

With regard to the jogger, if it is in good condition I do not see why you could not run a few speed intervals. Even if it is from street light to street light. Anything to pick the heart rate up to near or into anaerobic areas for short discreet intervals. It will give a better workout with the added resistance that without – though form can be an issue. I am not sure how long is too long but 30-40 minutes will benefit you if you structure them properly.

Good luck in your training

 

[SummerIrmoma2_3]

I had my last post all typed up and then I had to start dinner. You all were apparently busy while I was making dinner so now I am catching up again.

I think it is great! There was a great mix. I personally loved the Princess and her Frog! I think that there is something to be said for couples that can do things like this together. My other half would rather sleep in, so that is his choice. He would probably slow me down anyways! I saw quite a few this year and it was great how much support they offered in their groups (some ran solo). The only thing is that if you want to get any awards, you can't. But, the medal would be enough! Don't worry, there will be no hazing of men but you will be outnumbered!

I would love to do something like this with my dh too, but as of right now I know he will slow me down (he got a little upset that I lost him on our last run ) and he would rather sleep or watch tv too. I am working on him for next years DL 1/2. I want the C2C medal Plus we are originally form So Cal so we can meet up with a lot of old friends and family while we are there.

You asked so I will answer........While last year was my first half, I almost cried as I read all of the co-ed teams running with shirts saying "Im running with my princess"!!

I enjoyed the male presence, because I found the men so encouraging to everyone and I loved that many of them worse shirts that said I dressed like a princess because my wife is a princess

So please run enjoy and add some humor on your shirt --- trust me a smile or giggle at mile 10-13 is priceless and so needed!

I almost cried reading your post. I can't wait to witness it myself and then come home and give dh a hard time about it.

my dear friend from high school told me that she'll run the 1/2 with me! i really hope she doesn't flake out on me! she has run probably 6 or 7 marathons and a million half marathons. i know i will be so slow compared to her but it would be so great to actually have someone down there with me!

I hope she doesn't flake on you too. I am glad you found someone to go with you.

Thanks so much for your advice Charles and I hope you keep posting! You have run a ton of Disney races and know better than any of us on this forum about the Disney experience because you have seen it so much!!

Now, hopefully we can get back to all the pixie dust and encouragement that this thread usually offers!

I just got back from the gym and met a lady that was just starting her training for the Princess! She is just about 60 and has been working the last year to lose 50 lbs. She looks great (and doesn't look close to 60) and it was so cool! I have never met a Disney Princess Half Marathoner in Atlanta!! She made me feel a lot better after running 10 miles today. I don't know if I stayed up too late but I was so not in the mood and nothing good was on TV at the gym...so that turned that time around!!

I hope coach continues to post as well. I find his information invaluable.

How cool to find someone else training for the princess and it is double cool that she is 60. My mom just turned 53 this month and she is talking about her and I doing the Princess 1/2 in 2012.

for those of us who are beginners (some are still doing c25k), what are your eating habits like?

i would really like to lose about 10 lbs. unfortunately, this running is making me very hungry and i find myself eating alot of crap (summer bbqs don't help either).

is anyone following a good runner's diet? what about hydration? i've usually been running in the morning after my coffee and sometimes a bowl of cereal. as the miles increase i'm wondering how necessary it is to take water with me and/or food.

I am working the kinks out of my eating. I use to have 2 pieces of multi whole grain toast with natural peanut butter and a drizzle of honey and a glass of milk for breakfast, but for my last couple of runs it just wasn't cutting it and my stomach would start growling about half way through.

I haven't brought water with me on my 3 miles runs, but usually anything over that I have been needing it so I have just recently started bringing some.

I need to lose about 10 pounds too, but I have been stuck here for several months now.

 

[disneyaway]

Coach- thank you so much for all of the advice you provide. It really helps

Where exactly is the ESPN complex? About how far (ie cab money) is it from the boardwalk resorts? I am trying to figure out how much staying at one of those hotels versus a host hotel ( with hopefully a discount code) will be.

 

[cewait]

Where exactly is the ESPN complex? About how far (ie cab money) is it from the boardwalk resorts? I am trying to figure out how much staying at one of those hotels versus a host hotel ( with hopefully a discount code) will be.

It is the old Wide World of Sports complex. just south of Pop Century on Victory way (south side of Osceola). From Pop mayb 7-10 and from Contemp up to $15.

ADDED - Should add the All Start Resorts are across World Drive from the ESPN complex - about the same fare as Pop.

 

[jenelope]

I usually run in the evening after work, so I try to eat a Kashi TLC granola bar and drink about 12-16 ounces of water on the drive home pre-workout. The crunchy bars have about the same carb-protein-fat ratio as oatmeal, but they're much more portable. After my workout, I'm usually headed straight for dinner. My weekend runs are a bit different. I'm still working out my nutrition for those runs because I don't seem to do it at any particular time of day. For instance, last weekend I ran at 8:00 AM. Yesterday, I ran at 8:00 PM. Probably never doing that again, since the bugs were out and I have numerous fresh bites today- including one near my eye that has my whole face puffed up.

I'm very strict with myself when it comes to hydration. I'm overweight, sweat a lot, and have a tendency to get a very dry mouth and throat when I run. I run with a single-bottle hydration belt and take a small sip of water during almost every walk break. At first I only wore it while running outside because there's only one water fountain on my .44 mile path. Then I decided to run with it all the time. For one thing, I'm able to take my sip when it makes the most sense to do so, rather than when I'm passing the spot where I stashed my bottle. For another, it helps me get used to the weight of the pack and bottle. It also provides a handy place for my keys and iPod.

 

[sabnrob06]

Not sure about resident discount. I booked just outside of disney at the embassay suites, much cheaper then what disney was offering. Then I'll drive to epcot race day.

Thanks!!

 

[cewait]

I usually run in the evening after work, so I try to eat a Kashi TLC granola bar and drink about 12-16 ounces of water on the drive home pre-workout. The crunchy bars have about the same carb-protein-fat ratio as oatmeal, but they're much more portable. After my workout, I'm usually headed straight for dinner. My weekend runs are a bit different. I'm still working out my nutrition for those runs because I don't seem to do it at any particular time of day. For instance, last weekend I ran at 8:00 AM. Yesterday, I ran at 8:00 PM. Probably never doing that again, since the bugs were out and I have numerous fresh bites today- including one near my eye that has my whole face puffed up.

I'm very strict with myself when it comes to hydration. I'm overweight, sweat a lot, and have a tendency to get a very dry mouth and throat when I run. I run with a single-bottle hydration belt and take a small sip of water during almost every walk break. At first I only wore it while running outside because there's only one water fountain on my .44 mile path. Then I decided to run with it all the time. For one thing, I'm able to take my sip when it makes the most sense to do so, rather than when I'm passing the spot where I stashed my bottle. For another, it helps me get used to the weight of the pack and bottle. It also provides a handy place for my keys and iPod.

Sounds like you have a great plan in place. As miles increase concider checking your sweat rate by weighing yourself pre and post run. You should be approximartely the same weight both times. It's ok to lose a few pounds on a run but check out your hydration rate if the loss is greater than 2%. Likewise I would really cut back if you find a slight weight gain.

 

[HockeyKat]

okay, for starters, this is a great thread! you guys are inspiring and i've found a lot of great tips (even though I haven't read the whole thing!). I am a guy, and my wife (princess!) and I are doing the wine and dine relay in Oct, and will continue our training toward the Princess Half in Feb... I know there's a coed option for the Princess, and i've seen where guys have ran it before, but how do all you princesses REALLY feel about guys running with their princess? i'm going to be at Disney anyway, and it would be my first full half marathon...

I think it's AWESOME. Like the others said, especially if there is humor involved. I really got a kick out of the guys I saw dressed in tutus or with t-shirts and funny sayings.

It's great that you want to support your wife like this.

Oh I forgot that to add that I spoke with Disney Enduranace and they will be deciding after the F&W 1/2 if their will be an after party. I do know it would be held on Sunday night.......... then again I wont be their as I already have my room.

So keep Monday night open just in case!

They didn't have an after party in 2010... would be way way cool if they did one in 2011. If not, we should make our own at JellyRolls (we sure did in 2010! ) or somewhere else, maybe Raglan Road?

 

[jenn-]

It has taken me less than a week to realize I am just not cut out to be a morning runner. First and foremost, I hate the morning. I mean I have 4 kids 10 and under and all of them know the number 1 rule is "Don't wake Mommy up". I tried 4 or 5 morning runs and my body rebelled. I have given up and switched back to my nice happy afternoon runs. I really think my body needs half the day to wake up and ingest enough food and water to make it through a run. What the heck am I going to do when race day rolls around? I know everyone says that adrenaline will help, but if my body doesn't have food, I'm going to be in trouble. Do I start to experiment on getting up early and downing a bag of Sport Beans before a morning run? That isn't much in the way of calories, but rather fast acting carbs. All my morning runs ran into the same "empty gas tank" wall, even with a couple pieces of peanut butter toast an hour before my run (and I am talking 45 minute runs). I did 7 happy miles in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, and I am confident I will be able to do the mileage, I'm just not sure I will be able to do the wake up time.

 

[cewait]

It has taken me less than a week to realize I am just not cut out to be a morning runner. First and foremost, I hate the morning. I mean I have 4 kids 10 and under and all of them know the number 1 rule is "Don't wake Mommy up". I tried 4 or 5 morning runs and my body rebelled. I have given up and switched back to my nice happy afternoon runs. I really think my body needs half the day to wake up and ingest enough food and water to make it through a run. What the heck am I going to do when race day rolls around? I know everyone says that adrenaline will help, but if my body doesn't have food, I'm going to be in trouble. Do I start to experiment on getting up early and downing a bag of Sport Beans before a morning run? That isn't much in the way of calories, but rather fast acting carbs. All my morning runs ran into the same "empty gas tank" wall, even with a couple pieces of peanut butter toast an hour before my run (and I am talking 45 minute runs). I did 7 happy miles in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, and I am confident I will be able to do the mileage, I'm just not sure I will be able to do the wake up time.

You're doing the right thing....experimenting with food pre-race. While not exactly the same as coming off an overnight fast you are learning what you can tolerate and how far in front of run you need to do it.

As far as the morning thing goes, I would try to schedule a couple long runs in the morning so you can truly simulate the event planning from wake up to start of run. Race morning will have the typical rush but it also comes with the added burdon of needing to get to the start. If run like the previous PHM you will need to be on a bus (or be on the way to the parking lot) by 5 AM. If this is your first big event you will not sleep well the night before so waking is not as much of an issue.

Regardless, if we work from your current schedule once you wake, eat and get ready for your run (i.e. all the 'necessary' things) Then put your run on hold for 2 -3 hours before going out the door. See if your nutrition and wake up scheme worked. See if you have other issues that you may need to account for. Do this a couple times and you will settle yourself that you will be good to go that morning.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It has taken me less than a week to realize I am just not cut out to be a morning runner. First and foremost, I hate the morning. I mean I have 4 kids 10 and under and all of them know the number 1 rule is "Don't wake Mommy up". I tried 4 or 5 morning runs and my body rebelled. I have given up and switched back to my nice happy afternoon runs. I really think my body needs half the day to wake up and ingest enough food and water to make it through a run. What the heck am I going to do when race day rolls around? I know everyone says that adrenaline will help, but if my body doesn't have food, I'm going to be in trouble. Do I start to experiment on getting up early and downing a bag of Sport Beans before a morning run? That isn't much in the way of calories, but rather fast acting carbs. All my morning runs ran into the same "empty gas tank" wall, even with a couple pieces of peanut butter toast an hour before my run (and I am talking 45 minute runs). I did 7 happy miles in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, and I am confident I will be able to do the mileage, I'm just not sure I will be able to do the wake up time.

You will be fine!! I am not a morning person either and tried to keep up with a running group who met at 4:30 a.m. to prep me for the race. It just made me grumpy. The adrenaline of the event keeps you going that day. You don't get any sleep the night before really so it isn't hard to get up. It doesn't mean that you are a happy camper for the first hour you are waiting around, but in my experience the pixie dust finally takes over and grumpy leaves the building! . Exercise when it works for you, otherwise you lose interest and don't want to run. So, do whatever you have to so that this process is one you can tolerate. The hardest thing for me involved how cold it was.

 

[disneyaway]

It is the old Wide World of Sports complex. just south of Pop Century on Victory way (south side of Osceola). From Pop mayb 7-10 and from Contemp up to $15.

ADDED - Should add the All Start Resorts are across World Drive from the ESPN complex - about the same fare as Pop.

Thanks! It's not as much as I would have thought so that gives me a little more flexibility on where to stay.

They didn't have an after party in 2010... would be way way cool if they did one in 2011. If not, we should make our own at JellyRolls (we sure did in 2010! ) or somewhere else, maybe Raglan Road?

ooh. An after party would be so great. If not, JellyRolls sounds good to me

 

[DisneyRN51207]

Wow, the board was BUSY today. I enjoyed everyone's posts from today. Just out of curiosity sake.... what do you predict your finishing time to be? For those of us who have registered they ask what you think it will be so that you can be placed in the right corral. I'm just curious. I put 3 hours. I am very comfortable at a 14-14:30 min/mile. Hope to get comfortable in the high 12's to 13's until raceday. I've just noticed that we have a huge variety of runners which is so inspiring to me to see the more experienced runners on here as well as other inexperienced runners.

 

[maroo]

It has taken me less than a week to realize I am just not cut out to be a morning runner. First and foremost, I hate the morning. I mean I have 4 kids 10 and under and all of them know the number 1 rule is "Don't wake Mommy up". I tried 4 or 5 morning runs and my body rebelled. I have given up and switched back to my nice happy afternoon runs. I really think my body needs half the day to wake up and ingest enough food and water to make it through a run. What the heck am I going to do when race day rolls around? I know everyone says that adrenaline will help, but if my body doesn't have food, I'm going to be in trouble. Do I start to experiment on getting up early and downing a bag of Sport Beans before a morning run? That isn't much in the way of calories, but rather fast acting carbs. All my morning runs ran into the same "empty gas tank" wall, even with a couple pieces of peanut butter toast an hour before my run (and I am talking 45 minute runs). I did 7 happy miles in the middle of the afternoon on Saturday, and I am confident I will be able to do the mileage, I'm just not sure I will be able to do the wake up time.

You are from Alabama...so honestly...it will be like running in the middle of the night. You lose an hour and if I remember correctly you have to be at the bus at 5 AM or something crazy like that.

There really is a lot of adrenaline involved.

But I would plan on doing a few of the runs early and experiment with different food.

I ended up doing a bagel and peanut butter. I bought those single serving peanut butters that Jiff makes, I think...

I am a big girl and I ate a bagel and peanut butter when I first woke up (and drank quite a bit of water), then I ate a bagel with peanut butter once I got to the gate.

I found that I had to eat that much because I was going to be on the course for over 3 hours and I needed something substantial.

I also found that eating a whole thing of sports beans or gel was too much for my stomach at one time, so I got some chews that had some caffeine and carbs and just ate half of one every now and then. I did NOT eat what they passed out at the food stops because I had not practiced with it.

Food and water balance was critical for me finishing. I walked most of the race, though and am not a runner.

 

[jenn-]

You will be fine!! I am not a morning person either and tried to keep up with a running group who met at 4:30 a.m. to prep me for the race. It just made me grumpy. The adrenaline of the event keeps you going that day. You don't get any sleep the night before really so it isn't hard to get up. It doesn't mean that you are a happy camper for the first hour you are waiting around, but in my experience the pixie dust finally takes over and grumpy leaves the building! . Exercise when it works for you, otherwise you lose interest and don't want to run. So, do whatever you have to so that this process is one you can tolerate. The hardest thing for me involved how cold it was.

The bolded part is what makes me think, why even try to go to bed if I'm not going to sleep anyways? I should just stay up all night and make sure I get enough food in me. Maybe I should try forcing myself to nap on Saturday (and by forcing I mean ingesting my nice sleeping med), and just get up at Midnight to make sure I can eat. I have a few months to figure this all out. I hope to hit a half marathon in November that won't be quite as early in the morning, so maybe I can start to learn from that one. I go to Disney to eat, so food is a big issue for me. Knowing when and where I am going to eat makes me a very happy camper. Make me worried about a meal and long sleepless nights can ensue.

 

[jenn-]

You are from Alabama...so honestly...it will be like running in the middle of the night. You lose an hour and if I remember correctly you have to be at the bus at 5 AM or something crazy like that.

There really is a lot of adrenaline involved.

But I would plan on doing a few of the runs early and experiment with different food.

I ended up doing a bagel and peanut butter. I bought those single serving peanut butters that Jiff makes, I think...

I am a big girl and I ate a bagel and peanut butter when I first woke up (and drank quite a bit of water), then I ate a bagel with peanut butter once I got to the gate.

I found that I had to eat that much because I was going to be on the course for over 3 hours and I needed something substantial.

I also found that eating a whole thing of sports beans or gel was too much for my stomach at one time, so I got some chews that had some caffeine and carbs and just ate half of one every now and then. I did NOT eat what they passed out at the food stops because I had not practiced with it.

Food and water balance was critical for me finishing. I walked most of the race, though and am not a runner.

Thank you for your advice. You are right, being from a different time zone from the race makes it that much scarier to me. 5am I could handle if I absolutely had too, but 4am... ugh!