ACK!
The marathon is a month from today, and after I started looking through the handbook, my nerves and excitement kicked in. Which made me think more about race day, the course, what I'm going to wear, how I'm going to feel, how I want to go in strong, how I don't want to fail.
For the past three nights, I've woken up around three, then I fall back to sleep around six-thirty, then get up at seven when Mike's alarm goes off. My stomach is bugging me, and my brain has been all consumed with race details, and Pez details.
I already know what I need to do with Pez, but here's what I need to figure out for the race:
1. The Course. I know the streets of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, from the four years I worked in sales, when I drove, and walked all over these three boroughs. I know that the 59th Street Bridge is going to be a bitch, as well as the end of the race through hilly Central Park. My Dad has run NYC, and we talked about the hills, and how I'll be able to tackle them, because I've run up worse.
2. Nutrition. I had stomach issues that came to a head at mile 18 of the Rochester Marathon. I wrote it off as too much GU, and nerves, but then after my 18 miler last weekend, I had the same queasy feeling. After reading some of the handbook, and this article in the NY Times about marathon hydration, I think it's because I was drinking too much, and diluting the salt in my system. I usually have crusty salt on my face, and apparently a lack of salt causes stomach upset. Anyone use salt tabs? I'm considering downing salt water before my run this weekend, and see what it does for me, because I need to figure this out.
3. Schedule. Daylight savings time is race weekend, so I gain an hour of sleep. Which will end up being an extra hour of laying in bed staring at the ceiling. Luckily I'm staying at a friends apartment, so I don't have to worry about hotel reservations, and we'll have our car so Mike can drive me down to the ferry. Which brings up a point, I chose a very early ferry, 7:45. We had to choose our times back in July, before we knew what waves we were in. I figured it made sense to get there early, but since my wave doesn't start until 10:40, I'm going to be hanging around for a while. Hopefully it won't be raining, or freezing out. Which brings me to...
4. Clothing. Fall in NY can be iffy, either its warm and lovely, or cool and rainy. So I'm going to have to pick out different options. I must wear my Children's Tumor Foundation tank, which I've worn several times, and luckily, it fits well and is comfortable. Although my compression shorts are slightly see-through (anyone behind me will get a good view of my, well, behind) they're a smart choice for hammy and Pez. Tommie Copper generously sent me calf sleeves and a top, so that's covered, but I'm not sure about my arms. I've never worn any kind of compression sleeves or arm warmers. Anyone have any feedback on that?
5. Gear. I'm thinking of leaving my fuel belt at home, and making due with the water and gatorade on the course. I'm a nuun girl, so I would have to get used to gatorade. My belt is big, and I don't know if I want to deal with it this time around. But I do need to figure out how to carry my cellphone, GU, and maybe goldfish crackers. Then there is the ipod question, will I need it? I think there will be plenty to distract me with along the course and spectators, but it's like a security blanket, I like to know it's there.
Speaking of ipods......I must say Thank You to Steve Jobs for all he created, especially the ipod, which has carried me through countless runs. May he rest in peace.
6. Fundraising. I'm very thankful, and grateful for all the donations I've received for The Children's Tumor Foundation. I'm still waiting for some of them to come in, and if they do, I have about $150 left to raise by October 24th. As of today, our team has raised over $63,000! Our goal is $70,000, which you can help us raise by clicking here.
Now I need to go for a run.
: )
18 comments:
I'm so excited for you! Can't wait to hear all about it! :)
Gatorade has soduim in it
I learn this from another blogger, since raunning races are a strip and toss to the side of the road races (I was sooooo fascinated at that during my half mary) ok, onto the tip. Goto Target and buy a cheap pair of cute knee high socks, cut a hole off at the bottom and use it as your arm warmer, then you can toss it if you get warm
Awesome!!!!!
Be careful with the salt. Look into that please. My personal opinion is to not take any tabs for at least the first hour. Hammer nutrition makes a great pill form product.
You know I love my arm sleeves!! They rock!!
Congrat for getting in ING Marathon. So happy for you. I use my first pair of arm warmers about a month ago. I love them. I plan on wearing them for my Marathon in 10 days. My first marathon I couldnt understand why my stomach was upset either. This summer I was reading article that talked about taking gatorade and gu together can upset your stomach. Because after two gu and I was drinking gatorade which I never did in my training. So know gatorade for me this year, just gels and water.
Since you are a Nuun girl anyway, I have just recently read an ultra review where the runner actually took the Nuun tablet in his mouth. maybe that would help.
Good luck, Molly! I know you are going to do fantastic!!
Have no advice for a marathon for you, but know I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best race ever!!!
So exciting! I didn't get my confirmation mail yet. I'll be stalking the mailbox now. I am in the 10:10 start.
On the salt tabs--definitely try them out now to get the right combo down for you. They can cause their own stomach issues if not done right (I know, just what you want to hear!). And think about throw-away gear for your time before and at the beginning of the race. Always a good option!
Armsleeves are a great option, because if it's to owarm you just push them down, much better than a jacket.
If it's a warm day, I take S!caps by Succeed (google them), they are awesome. I take 2 before the race and then about 2 mid-race. I like throw-away shirts, then you don't have to worry about hauling anything with you later if it gets warmer. Arm warmers are great, but if it gets too warm, then what do you do with them? I threw then once in a planter at a hotel as I ran by ... thankfully they were still there after the race, but I was probably pretty lucky.
You're going to do awesome, girl!! WOOHOO! Coming up fast!
I like Big Daddy's idea about the arm warmers! This is so exciting!
Sounds like you are practically ready to go! I'm sure you will get the other details figured out soon. Good luck on reaching your goal!
Your sleep schedule sounds similar to mine, but for a different reason baby wakes me every few hours to eat. you will do great. wishing you luck.
Big Daddy Diesel has a great idea. Good luck with the marathon. I have never done one so I have no great advice!
Have fun with this. I want to do this marathon some day.
Donation has been made girlie, I'm so excited for you! One month out....whoohoo! (not sure if I am doing the virtual 5K or not. I am supposed to race tomorrow and if I don't do it, I might do the 5k and put up a race report tomorrow)
NYC is definitely on my bucket list for someday.
Pumped for you twinsie!!! Reading The Long Run and the recent RW has me wanting to see the NYC ING firsthand!! Have you ever tried nuun for hydration?
You are ready for this wonderful adventure. Good luck and enjoy this last month of training.
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