Play then Run, Run then Play or BOTH?

[5Clevs]

Hubby and I signed up for the half marathon in Jan. (it's our first) and have been training and we are very excited about the race. We are right on track and have been dedicated to the training so I'm confident we can do it. I'm more stressed about the planning of this trip. I'll be in town for just a few days (Arrive Thursday around lunch, Friday, Saturday, and leave Sunday morning) and want to enjoy the parks too, but don't want to wear myself out before the race. Also, don't know how I'll feel after the race. So I'm trying to decide how many days I'll need tickets for. Anyone have any suggestions for playing in the parks before or after the race? Thanks!

 

[ChimneysweepGeorge]

You'll be a little tired after the race and your legs will likely be a little sore the next day. This can be mitigated if you don't have any time goals buy keeping your pace to something nice and comfortable. It's really more about your touring style and what do a few days in the park feel like?

If you tour commando style and come home with tired legs and a blister or two, you might want to do your park visiting afterwards. If you go at The World at a more sedate pace and come home relaxed, you should be fine running at the end of it.

 

[ludari]

I concur with the previous post... You will be tired and your legs and feet maybe sore from the race. I would recommend that you enjoy the parks before the race but obviously don't overdo it.

 

[rubato]

I did Goofy this year (half and full) and my legs were tired, but we kept going the entire week. We arrived Wed and left Wed, and I never really took a moment off. I just went a little slower on Saturday and a little more slow on Sunday. By Monday, I was moving fast again. I did have a weird time with one hip after the half and had to pick my leg up to walk up a curb or stairs, but that magically popped back in before the full on sunday.

 

[5Clevs]

Thanks for your input. Definitely eases my mind. We'll probably go Thursday evening and Friday morning and take it a little slower than usual and then decide on race day if we can make it. We will be going back in March while the kids are on Spring Break so we can play longer and harder then.

 

[SAHDad]

One thing that will really help deal with any soreness the next day is actually to keep moving once you finish the race.

The best thing you can do, once you finish, is to start rehydrating and refueling, and keep moving. A lot of people will get across the finish line, grab their stuff, and then sit (or lie) down - which is a huge mistake. What you want to do is walk around for a bit, and get something to drink. (Oddly enough, chocolate milk is a perfect post-race drink, but most drinks like Boost, Ensure, and so forth work almost as well - and you don't have to worry about keeping them cold while you run.)

You will get a plastic bag when you pick up your packet, and you can use that to check items on the morning of the race. In mine, I keep a Boost (or similar), and a full change of clothes. If nothing else, a change of shirt and socks will make a world of difference in how you feel.

 

[crewmatt]

Agreed, the moving will certainly help the soreness. Plus the fun thing is after the race everyone walks around with their medals