Ok, I know this is a silly question, but how many of y'all plan on taking something to drink along with you during the race? My DH has spoiled me during training as I get really thirsty, and has always carried my drink for me. I just cannot run with something in my hand...it messes me up. So I was thinking about not running with anything, but am afraid I'll be too thirsty not to.
I wear my NATHAN Speed 2 water belt for long runs and I love it, don't even know it is there - bought the bigger size so I could wear it on my hips instead of my waist though. There are 2 10 oz water bottles and a great size pocket for my phone/sports beans and a little cash. HOWEVER...I
won't be wearing it for the race. I take a cup of water at every water stop and that's enough for me (OK, 2 races ever...10K & Princess last year so as I say that's enough for me like I'm a big veteran...so NOT!). I do a run/walk 4:1 so I'm comfortable walking through the water stops - although I do pour half down the front of me accidentally but it is cooling I guess
. I also eat my beans at the hour marks during a minute walk break---think I'd choke if I tried them while actually running. All to say, I don't plan on carrying anything in my hands and don't do gator/powerade. I'm wearing a skirt with 2 pockets...1 pack of sports beans in each and my phone and my camera. I'll wear my iPod on my arm.
I didn't check a bag last year and won't this year. I "threw away" extra layers that I wore that morning and had a close friend meeting me at the finish. She brought a change of shirt and anything else I needed (which I don't think I did). My husband will be at the finish so he'll bring what I need.
Here's somthing I learned last year which I haven't seen mentioned for first time "racers"...I sweat a lot, especially my face/head. I have trouble with sweat getting in my eyes. My friend suggested a visor and I reluctantly bought one AT the expo the day before. It was so fabulous. I didn't need my sunglasses and the wicking was amazing, really amazing. My face stayed dry but if you touched the brim of the hat it was literally soaked. Ahhhh...technology at its best. The other thing that it helped was sunblocking. I still have never tested sunscreen on a long run on my face for fear of it getting in my eyes (put it on your body though girls!!!) so the visor kept me from getting burned. It is going to be bright and sunny as we head back to Epcot from the castle girls so be prepared!
THe visor I bought was from princessrunning.com and is very easily adjustable made of coolmax. I actually wanted a plain one but couldn't find any that seemed as good quality (OK, did not look extensively) at the Expo and the running stores here didn't have any in stores yet.
I'm getting so excited...happy tapering
~Jennifer
I have lots of hope there!
It was much nicer than the port-a-potties, and I didn't have to worry about where to put my camera or water bottle or whatever... 
rotfl
and didn't want to pin it to my sweatshirt just in case. It was fine.
LOL -- They will be school FOREVER - to make up their snow days this year. 
