View Full Version : Last Minute Marathon Advice Required?
As some of you may already be aware, in a little under 2 weeks now I will be attempting to run my first (and probably last) marathon.
Do any of you have any last minute advice on getting round, bits of essential kit etc that might make this experience a bit more pleasant etc.
I'm not doing a great deal at the moment in terms of training just really enough to keep me running.
Also if anyone wishes to sponsor me that would be great:
www.justgiving.com/kevhall (http://www.justgiving.com/kevhall)
Sticky plaster on your nips mate ;) did the Reading half marathon a few years back and worn me nips away :? bloody painful too .
I'm sure you don't wear cotton anyway - but NO COTTON!!!! And don't wear new shoes!!
Get to the start early, don't leave it to the last minute. It gets very crowded. Go to the bog more than 10 mins before the off, cos the Q for the portajohn is so long. Thinking of no 2s - I always take loperamide (imodium) to stop wanting a dump half way round.
Don't get carried away in the first few miles - remember, this is your race, follow your training and your race strategy. You'll see loads of peeps going like a bull at a gate, don't follow them. If you set off too fast, you will regret it later. You'll catch up with a lot of em at mile 8 when they can't run any more:D If you're following a pace group, be realistic. There are no prizes for bailing out.
Plan your hydration. Be sure to drink plenty.
When the going gets tough - as it will:D - do remember 'I have trained for this. I can do this. I will finish. Sod off, left side of brain. I am getting that medal. I am going home with some hardware. I am every bit as good as all these other runners. I am going to do this and nobody's going to stop me' or words to the effect.
Above all - never give up. Even if you have to cross the line on your hands and knees, you are going home with the hardware.
OK?
SoulKiss
31-03-08, 01:57 PM
Fake an injury and dont do it?
Hey, everyone was thinking it, I just said it :P
Fake an injury and dont do it?
Hey, everyone was thinking it, I just said it :P
Bail? I'll have your place Kev!!!
No way man! I have put my heart and soul inot this so far.
Good tip on the immodium and taking a dump before will be a pleasure as I work for the National Maritime Museum, so I'll take my key - no queues for me!!!
I have no sunglasses, should I bother? Trainers are worn in and I have just been for a run in my Stroke Association vest, a bit warm actually but ok.
grh1904
31-03-08, 02:36 PM
Take a big tub of vaseline, and totally lube up around the *cough* gentleman's areas.
Make sure you get right into all the nooks and crannies at the top of the legs, and I mean use loads of the stuff. Chaffing not only hurts as you run but is well sore for weeks after !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gettin2dizzy
31-03-08, 02:56 PM
Make sure you work out which direction you should be running in
That should be quite easy there should be 35000 others in front of me!!!
I'm having trouble sleeping too at the moment - not sure if that is related.
I have cut all caffine etc. out and still just laying awake despite being tired out. Not thinking about anything, just laying there.
That's not going to help.
Take your lid. i'll wait for you at the 3 mile marker, and whizz you round to about the 24 mile marker. Job done :)
No way man! I have put my heart and soul inot this so far.
I have no sunglasses, should I bother? Trainers are worn in and I have just been for a run in my Stroke Association vest, a bit warm actually but ok.
Wouldn't bother with shades, you'll get sweaty and they'll keep falling off. Wear a mesh (NOT SOLID COTTON) cap though, the peak'll keep the sun out of your eyes.
Do you really need to run in a SA vest - it's probably a cheap rag, not wicking, and it'll stick to you and cause soreness. I'd use it to clean the bike. Wear a wicking one. Make a sign with your name on it, pin it to your vest. I had mine laminated so that the sweat didn't dissolve it:)
I use nike compression tops to run in and will be wearing one under the vest as it's not the best and I find anything other than the cheap-ish nike tops seem to rub my raspberries. The Nike tops being so tight don't rub.
I have a Nike technical cap, although when I've worn it previously it heats my head up too much, I could always sling it if that does happen.
Jools'SV Now
31-03-08, 03:52 PM
Don't try anything new on the day.
be it clothing, food, drink, (immodium)...anything.
You're going to be putting your body through a very tough test don't give it anything it's not used to or that you haven't done a long run (12miles plus) in.
the time for practice is when you're training.
race day is about putting your training into practice.
It's at this time of year I'm glad I gave up distance running and went back to sprinting:D
Take it easy and good luck.:smt035
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l286/krhall_2006/untitled.jpg
Is that a thing of beauty or what?
Well the more I look at it the more it fills me with terror.....
I can't comment on the running because quite frankly, I struggle doing 5 miles on the treadmill, never mind 26! Good cause though Kev, my relationship with my grandad went the same as yours. My money is on the table (albeit with another runner - sorry, but same cause!)
Good luck mate, especially as its going to be your longest yet.
If you need anything to think of to keep your mind focussed, think of us all at home cheering you on humming the theme to Chariots of Fire (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYJzcUvS_NU).
Come on number #42270!
:notworthy:
Jinxy43
09-04-08, 02:13 PM
Sorry no advice, as not really into that running thing unless I am chasing an egg shaped ball.
But just wanted to say good luck, I will b watching on the box and hope you do well
missyburd
09-04-08, 03:26 PM
Plan your hydration. Be sure to drink plenty.
Do you just grab bottles as you go or take your own? I'd say one of those platypus things would be good but then I suppose you don't want to carry extra :rolleyes:
Best of luck though, hope the weather's good i.e. not too hot with a nice cool breeze :D
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