I find it interesting that as I get closer to a warm-up in the weather and time to actually start thinking about a training schedule, that I get much advice on every facet of running. Most of it is solicited since I know absolutely NOTHING about distance running and how my body will react to it so I'm constantly inquiring of those who do know these things. There is also some very random advice and tidbits that come my way through conversations with people, who sometimes know what they're talking about and sometimes they don't. Let me say here, that I am a willing listener and appreciative of ALL advice that people give...though I may not take the advice.
For good measure, I'll start with some advice that I've gotten that seems good, reasonable, helpful, etc.
1. On race day, dress in layers, and make sure the layers are pieces of clothing you do not want back. Throw the clothing off as you warm up and go on! - I like this one. Those that have done the St. Jude's 1/2 say that clothing gets taken to a local shelter and donated. Great idea...not sure what happens at my 1/2, but either way it seems like a burden to have to try to carry extra clothing with me or tie it on me as I go
2. Carb load the night before and have a light but protein packed breakfast the morning of. All I really think about when I read this or someone tells me this is Michael Scott scarfing fettuccine Alfredo minutes before his big "race" and it makes me LOL. I plan to carb it up the night before but not sure I'll model my scarfing after Michael Scott.
3. Since I've never actually run a 1/2 marathon or even seen one, someone suggested that I just go watch one so I know what to expect and I will be less nervous the morning of race day. I think this is a great piece of advice since everyone that's running is a newbie to this too. Not sure where I'll find time to watch people run for 13.1 miles, but I will try.
Okay, there are many more good bits of advice, but on to the uh...less helpful, more interesting advice. Again, most of this was given by well meaning individuals whom most (or all) of I happen to be related to and may or may not be running with. :)
1. Skittle-up! This piece of advice came out something like this... "I'm going to just carry Skittles with me during the race to eat." Me (confused look), "Uh...why?" "Well, you always see professional football players sitting on the sidelines eating Skittles...to give them energy." I have no idea why professional athletes would be eating Skittles on the sidelines, or if they even do since I've never witnessed it, but I would say it has more to do with promoting Skittles ($$) than energy. If someone knows different or has actually Skittled-up mid-race and felt more energetic, please share.
2. The 8 mile marker trots. I've been told that around mile 8, I will feel a sudden and urgent need to quit running and find a bathroom. I was also informed this feeling will subside around mile 10 and I'll just "trot" on in to the finish line, no pun intended. Not sure about this one either, but if it's true, I will not be blogging about it more later and I hope that no one else ever mentions this phenomenon again. Enough said...
3. "If you can run 10 miles, you can run 13." I would actually file this under good advice, except, personally, I don't believe it for myself because I'm a mental case. Once I get to 10 miles in my training program, I will keep on going just to make sure. I would really hate to prove this point wrong the only time I attempted 13 miles. So, I may train a few weeks longer than most, but for me, it's probably worth it.
I hope that people continue to offer me advice and tidbits as they see fit. I love them all. They make me feel like I'm part of a really elite club. Although I know many people have managed to successfully complete a 1/2 marathon, I would have once considered it laughable for me. I now feel that it's completely within my reach.
