So here we are one week before my first marathon. Let's be honest--I am not your typical runner, I definately don't fit in with marathoners, and I pretty much have no idea what I'm doing as far as marathon training goes. I've googled a bit and learned some things, but I really don't know what "real runners" do to prepare for a marathon. My question for you is......what type of things do you do the week of a marathon to prepare? What kind of exercise? What do you eat/not eat? What do you drink? How much do you sleep? Does it really work to load up on IB Profen for 2 days prior to the race? I figure I better get serious about this now. I have been cross training every day instead of running while a knee injury heals up so hopefully my legs haven't forgotten how to run.
I will take any and all advice, tips, warnings for the BIG DAY! Thanks, ladies!
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Oh, how exciting! The first marathon is such a milestone. Truly a neat experience that will never be forgotten.
I think everyone is different, but I would definitely advise against loading up on ibuprofin before. It's really hard on the belly and could cause plenty of issues. A better thought would be to carry 2 ibuprofin with you during the race. That way, if you really start feeling the aches, you can take it midway through and it's less likely to cause issues (I think) than if you've been loading up beforehand. I'd just try to take it w/ a Gu so that it's not on an empty stomach (which can cause ulcers).
Good luck! I'm sure you'll love it :-)
Kristyn, how exciting! I know you've had some ups and downs in training, but I hope the race goes well. Don't do anything too drastic. I definitely would be careful about popping ibuprofen. Just eat healthy, rest up, and get your mind ready. Try to think positive thoughts and mentally see yourself running through the last few miles. Icy Hot is a great mid-race fix for burning knees. I had a knee injury my first marathon and was okay. But make sure to take ibuprofen afterward, ice, and stretch. Can't wait to hear that you did it!
good luck!!! I have never done a full marathon, but have done two halves. my dad is a veteran marathon runner and has plenty of advice against carbo loading! while the old line of thought was to eat plenty of pastas the night before the race, the new line of thought is that if you carbo load BEFORE the race, you will have a strong urge to UNload DURING the race (if you catch my drift). a few days before is fine, but not recommended the night before now. one of my good friends did not follow this advice and was struggling to make it through the race without stopping at the port a potties!
and don't be afraid to stop at all the water stops!
Good Luck!
I would strongly advise against loading up on ibuprofen, there have been studies done recently that show that this is very harmful to the body. Also not very effective during the race, it will help afterward but mostly for the discomfort. Ice after!!!!!! I too am not a huge fan of the night before carb loading, everything I have read lately suggests a healthy balance of protein and carbs the night before. I usually eat a turkey sandwich with veggies and fruit. I have never had any tummy or bowel issues during a race.
As far as fueling goes do what you have been doing on your long runs, don't try anything new, even if it tasted good at the expo!
You are going to do great, enjoy the run and the finish (that is the best part :) !!) Good Luck!!!!
First of all, you are definitely a real runner! Quit selling yourself short! I have loved being on your "journey" with you these past 18 months. I am so proud of you for how hard you have worked, in spite of all your injuries. This week, try to envision yourself crossing the line. Think of all that you have done to get to this point. I love the idea of dedicating a mile to a different person who has influenced you. It gives you something to think about. Find some new songs for your playlist. Eat lots of carbs!! Don't change too much of your routines. Trust your training and your hard work. As far as the IB goes, I wouldn't take too many. Don't want to get sick! :-) I can't wait to be there with you. You are going to do awesome! Love ya!
I think you just need to stick with whatever you're used to the week before a race. It's not the time to try any new foods or gels or whatever. Just stick with what works for you. I think it's important to make sure you drink ALOT of water the week before the race. You want to make sure your hydrated.
Also, even though it's not fun-a ice bath after the race can really help with sore muscles and I love my compression sleeves that I put on right after the race and they calm my burning calves.
Good luck with the race!!! The finish line really is the best :)
Thanks everyone. What about water belts? I couple of people have told me not to wear one since there will be plenty of water stops. What do you ladies do?
How exciting, you need to take a moment and congratulate yourself on getting through the training. I feel as though you can call yourself a marathoner the minute you cross the start line. I would also stay away from IB the week before, then your body won't build an immunity to it. I took some with me in my water bottle holder and took it about midway. Best marathon finish ever. I swear by meat pasta the night before, and lots and lots of sleep the week and two nights before the marathon. You will be making sure you didn't sleep in 14 times an hour the night before. Breathe, experience it, and have a great time.
I'm kind of a sucker for cheesy quotes, but one I really like is, "There will be days I don't know if I will finish a marathon, but there will be a lifetime of knowing that I have." left, right, left.
Have a great first marathon!
I always say that I'm not going to wear my hydration belt for a longer race but then I always do...I think it's my security blanket. I like knowing that I can get a drink any time I need it. The tricky part is that for a full marathon it's really hard to carry enough hydration for the whole race anyway...I usually use the water stops and just carry two small bottles incase I really need them.
So glad to have found your blog! I've been doing research online about running and being pregnant, and everything that is out there freaks me out! I've been running for over a year, and i started training for a half marathon in March. I am up to 10 miles on my long run, and my race is in less than a month... and i just found out i am 4 weeks pregnant! I would love some advice, i dont want to continue my long runs if its not safe for my baby... but i really want to do my half, i am soo close!
To Invita: I know a lot of moms have had good luck running while pregnant. I'm more conservative. I know women who have run pregnant and been fine, but the only women I know who lost babies well into their pregnancies both ran intensely during their pregnancies. Running long distances raises your body temperature for long periods of time. Once when I was pregnant I was wondering if I should do something slightly risky. I finally decided not to do it, figuring that if anything went wrong with the baby I might blame myself. A few days later when I miscarried (the only time I ever did), it was comforting knowing I had been as careful as I could have been. I am a believer in exercise during pregnancy, but I do worry about distance running. Barbara Luke's book "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads" discusses physiological effects of intense exercise on the fetus and discourages high intensity exercise during pregnancy. It's worth reading the chapter whether or not you're having twins, before deciding. I really don't want to be a spoil sport, but I would postpone the half marathon and make plans in two years to meet your husband just before the finish line, grab the baby from him and carry the baby in your arms as you cross the finish line. It will be one of the happiest days of your life and the picture of you crossing with your baby will be one of your favorite all-time photos! :)
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