Panda Ramblings, 2 Weeks Left!

[windwalker]

Often people go into an adventure like this without really having a plan for getting through it. This isn't a moon launch or a voyage to the bottom of the sea but it is something that requires some thought.

It's good to think about it and write it out so you can see it in black and white. This is going to be awesome fun, but we are taking on the baddest of distances, we are getting ready to do a half or full marathon, some of you both, there will be rough spots. How are you going to over come those spots.

Do you have a mantra to take you over the last few miles if you are hurting? Do you know what you will drink? Do you know how much and how often? Have you decided what to wear? Have you worn it before on a long run/walk so you know if you will have chaffing issues?

I have seen many people, including my lady, buy something special for race day and then discover about 18 miles into the race that it's causing her a lot of discomfort. You just really can't tell any other way but by wearing it on a long distance training day.

It's good to make sure you have done some LSD with the sports drink that Disney will have if you plan to drink it. You might not like it or it might not stay down. Nothing more fun or socially pleasing as having to throw up on the side of the road. I learned I can't eat fried chicken during a race.

If you are going to carry a fanny pack of some sort with you in the race then wear it on some of your training run/walks. It affects your gait and it is another place for adventures with chaffing. Weight is a factor also, if you are going to carry stuff, be like a backpacker and shave every ounce you can from your stuff.

Ok I've rambeled on enough y'all get the idea. Use the extra time you have right now with your taper to be going over your details.

I did something really stupid yesterday that I blamed on taper maddness, but being also senile, I forgot what it was.

I hope this post got you thinking about those kinds of things, that's what you should be thinking about now that you are into taper maddness mode.

Evil Panda

 

[twoWDWfools]

Thanks Panda! I've started on my packing lists - clothes as well as what I need/want for the full. Lots to think about.

 

[laughinplace199]

Thanks for your post, Panda. You always have such words of wisdom. I have been concentrating on Christmas so much, that I haven't given any thought to what I will pack, wear, eat, or drink for the marathon. Now I'm feeling totally overwhelmed!

I'm going to take a few deep breaths, enjoy the day with my kids, and when they go to bed tonight I'll starting making packing lists, thinking about what to wear on race day, how much Gu to bring, etc. There, I feel better already now that I have a plan...sort of.

 

[windwalker]

I'd like to mention something for anyone else going into the marathon or even the half without the training you would like to have. It will take you longer to get in your grove on race day. Plan on a longer warm up period when the race starts. Then when you do finally get into your planned pace if after 10 min or so it's still a struggle, back off on the speed for a while, a half mile or so, then get back up to pace and see how it feels. What ever you do DO NOT get to your planned pace, realize it feels to hard and panic. I promise if you back off a little and then go back to it after your warmed up good, it will feel better. Normally when we are training regularly a mile is plenty of warm up but if it's been hit or miss training then it could take 3 miles to get the grove. So don't panic it will come, just be patient.

Warm Panda

 

[Whiste Pig]

I'd like to mention something for anyone else going into the marathon or even the half without the training you would like to have.. What ever you do DO NOT get to your planned pace, realize it feels to hard and panic. I promise if you back off a little and then go back to it after your warmed up good, it will feel better.
Warm Panda

Thanks for your words of wisdom . I'm very concerned about finishing the half. I was out for 3 weeks last month with knee problems and when I did 9.5 miles last week I was really hurting . I'm hoping my extreme stubborness will get me through...