Official inaugural Tower of Terror 10 miler thread. September 29, 2012

[cewait]

Great post above by Coach! I will echo that you definitely need to try different brands and find what works for you. I would also recommend that despite what the packaging says, do not take a gel before you start a run....eat real food (good carbs with a little protein) about 1-2 hours before you start. Then, start with your gels when needed. Last year, the Marathon Relay was my first 1/2 marathon and I made a huge mistake by taking a gel about 20 minutes before I started running. I then took another gel about 45 minutes in and that is where it all went downhill. I spent a good 10-15 min in various porta-potties along the route and let me just say, my race was less than pleasant! I had used Gu in training but had never taken one before a run and then another so soon after and I guess ultimately, that was my problem. I have since switched to Honey Stingers gel and never take one at the start of a race...that has worked well for me!

Never try anything new on race day. Though I will take a gel in the corrals, usually 5 minutes or less pre-gun for my corral. But I also gel heading out the door for a long run.

The meal 1-2 hours pre-race is one of the most overlooked things. We really need to bring the glycogen levels up from the overnight use. Or, in the case of a night race, from the day's activities

 

[jimandami]

Never try anything new on race day. Though I will take a gel in the corrals, usually 5 minutes or less pre-gun for my corral. But I also gel heading out the door for a long run.

The meal 1-2 hours pre-race is one of the most overlooked things. We really need to bring the glycogen levels up from the overnight use. Or, in the case of a night race, from the day's activities

Yes, I made the mistake of thinking that since I had used Gu in my training, I would be ok taking an extra...NEVER again!

 

[poohbear8]

My DH lives on the GU stuff (ok, not really, but he uses it WAY more than I think is healthy for him) and I am scared to try it! I could have used "something" on my last long run. Is there something (honeystingers maybe) that is less likely to upset a stomach? I run my long runs on a bike trail and there are no potties around in case I would need one.

Coach: what kind of meal should I be planning for the night of the ToT run? I have a lunch planned at 11am, but am not sure what I should go for for dinner.

 

[cewait]

My DH lives on the GU stuff (ok, not really, but he uses it WAY more than I think is healthy for him) and I am scared to try it! I could have used "something" on my last long run. Is there something (honeystingers maybe) that is less likely to upset a stomach? I run my long runs on a bike trail and there are no potties around in case I would need one.

Coach: what kind of meal should I be planning for the night of the ToT run? I have a lunch planned at 11am, but am not sure what I should go for for dinner.

I would go with something light and bland. Think how you would approach the race if it were 14 hours earlier or 8 AM. For that race you would get up at a relatively normal time and have a bland breakfast. Your 11 AM meal would equate to dinner the night before. The largest difference is that you are up and somewhat active (at least compared to sleeping) through the day. So I would head to someplace like a food court and find some fruit, yogurt, boiled egg, maybe a bagel with cream cheese. Look for something that you know through experience that will not upset the stomach. Have this in the 3-4 hour pre-race range. I would also bring a cliff bar or something similar to munch on an hour pre-race.

With regard to trying gels, you are really going to have to try it. If the trail head has facilities, head out for 60 minute out and back run. At the turn around gel and then you know you have facilities nearby. Or even break the out and back into two outs and back at 15 minute intervals. Knowing that you have hope will keep most of the tummy demons at bay – or at least for a few moments.

As I said earlier, you (or your system) are the only one who will be able to say what works. Each manufacturer has their thoughts on formulation and what is mild in my system may crush yours. It’s all about how you system senses and breaks down the solids in the gels. You may also want to try beans or blocks if it is a taste or sensation issue. Though note that a gel is the optimal form of fuel for a system on the run. Finally, if you think that the gel will be the best choice, then you are more likely to not have any reactions to the stuff. So start with Stingers and see how that works. But also understand that there are a dozen other brands in the marketplace.

With regard to DH, if he should only gel at times where he is working out for 90 minutes or longer, or possibly at the start of an hour long hard workout. Then it should be at an interval in the 40-75 minute range. Any more and he is defeating many of the metabolic benefits derived from his workout. If not associated with a workout, then a whole food would seem more appropriate.

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

DH and I have used the facilities provided by Mother Nature.

 

[poohbear8]

Thank you Coach for the food/gel info!! I really appreciate it!

I did today's run on the treadmill. I had the jogs intervals at the fastest I have ever jogged, but I kept at it and did finish the whole workout. I am supposed to be pushing myself on the "short" runs, right? I had no idea there was so much to learn about running and how to do it!

 

[cewait]

Thank you Coach for the food/gel info!! I really appreciate it!

I did today's run on the treadmill. I had the jogs intervals at the fastest I have ever jogged, but I kept at it and did finish the whole workout. I am supposed to be pushing myself on the "short" runs, right? I had no idea there was so much to learn about running and how to do it!

Yes, weekday run intensities should be harder than the weekend runs.... Sounds like a great run

 

[sumlee]

DH and I have used the facilities provided by Mother Nature.

Hahaha! I had a little potty emergency last week and had to crouch behind a tree in the forest. I now carry wet wipes with me on all runs! TMI?

 

[DrMomof3]

Random question: Are you allowed to bring gels (GU packets) in a carry-on bag on an airplane? Or do they violate the no liquids/gels rule? Do you need to put them in your one quart ziplock bag?

I'm flying down for ToT late on Thursday night and leaving Monday night. I'd like to just bring a carry-on bag, especially since my flight lands so late on Thursday. Trying to streamline my travel. I'm guessing I'll be able to buy GUs at the Expo on Friday but I'd feel more comfortable bringing my own from home. Does anyone have experience with this?

Amanda

 

[jeanigor]

Random question: Are you allowed to bring gels (GU packets) in a carry-on bag on an airplane? Or do they violate the no liquids/gels rule? Do you need to put them in your one quart ziplock bag?

I'm flying down for ToT late on Thursday night and leaving Monday night. I'd like to just bring a carry-on bag, especially since my flight lands so late on Thursday. Trying to streamline my travel. I'm guessing I'll be able to buy GUs at the Expo on Friday but I'd feel more comfortable bringing my own from home. Does anyone have experience with this?

Amanda

I've always put them in my 1 quart bag, just to avoid any confrontation or misunderstanding.

 

[cewait]

Random question: Are you allowed to bring gels (GU packets) in a carry-on bag on an airplane? Or do they violate the no liquids/gels rule? Do you need to put them in your one quart ziplock bag?

I'm flying down for ToT late on Thursday night and leaving Monday night. I'd like to just bring a carry-on bag, especially since my flight lands so late on Thursday. Trying to streamline my travel. I'm guessing I'll be able to buy GUs at the Expo on Friday but I'd feel more comfortable bringing my own from home. Does anyone have experience with this?

Amanda

They are carry-on capable. Whether you put them in your declaration zip lock or just carry them in the bag is kind of up to you. Since they are considered food, they do not need to be in your zip lock, but have them on top of your carry on just in case TSA wants to look at them. I would put them in their own zip lock in the carry-on, not for our friends at TSA, but because they tend to leak at flight altitudes. Note, of the many trips they have ridden in my carry on, TSA has only asked once to check them out.

 

[cewait]

I've always put them in my 1 quart bag, just to avoid any confrontation or misunderstanding.

I guess I travel enough so I really do not mind forcing TSA to follow their own rules. I would put the gels in their own bag, even if one puts the gels in the official quart bag to keep them from leaking all over everything else. It can be a real mess.


Soap Box Moment Ahead....

I am just thankful my 'friends' at TSA have created pre-check for frequent travelers. If one qualifies, no quart bag, shoes and light jacket OK. The continued silliness in the name of security amazes me.

Sorry, Putting my little box away

 

[Terapin]

Is anybody planning on doing the 5k and the 10 miler?

 

[jeanigor]

Is anybody planning on doing the 5k and the 10 miler?

A little foolish? Maybe.
More bling and a long day? Certainly.

 

[Terapin]

A little foolish? Maybe.
More bling and a long day? Certainly.

 

[Terapin]

I'd love some advice on eating prior to the ToT. What are other people doing that day?

 

[Lynn57]

I'd love some advice on eating prior to the ToT. What are other people doing that day?

I'm not sure what I'm going to do as far as food. I'm also debating how much park touring I'm going to do on Saturday. I'm just going down for a long weekend, so I'm going to have to force myself to take it easy and not plan a huge park day!

 

[mickeysgal]

I'm not sure what I'm going to do as far as food. I'm also debating how much park touring I'm going to do on Saturday. I'm just going down for a long weekend, so I'm going to have to force myself to take it easy and not plan a huge park day!

Since this is a very rare treat for us to be at Disneyland, I am struggling with having to tone it down park-wise for Saturday. I'm not sure how I'll feel Sunday to do the parks. After WDW's half in January, I was very tired and only went to the parks at night. With the cost of tickets being so high, I have the tendency to want to squeek out every list minute out of my tickets!

 

[Terapin]

I think we are going to forgo tickets and just hang around the resort, but plan for a 5pm dinner. Currently booked at The Wave as our DVC waitlist for BLT came through. It is just DH and I without the three kids, so together time lounging, swimming, back at the room, and a nice dinner are more appealing than the parks! We'll get a little park fix with the after party..

 

[mickeysgal]

I think we are going to forgo tickets and just hang around the resort, but plan for a 5pm dinner. Currently booked at The Wave as our DVC waitlist for BLT came through. It is just DH and I without the three kids, so together time lounging, swimming, back at the room, and a nice dinner are more appealing than the parks! We'll get a little park fix with the after party..

Nice! Never stayed there although it's on our list. We've got BWV. Prime position to enjoy the Food & Wine. If I can hobble around afterwards.