Help me prepare for my 1st marathon!

KrissMrs · February 2012

I'm officially 20 days away from my first marathon. I'm pretty excited, a little scared, but I'm feeling like I'm ready. I've followed Hal Higdon's training plan...gotten up to 22 miles (it wasn't that bad)...and I'm definitely starting to think that, not only is this possible, but it might not even be that unpleasant. Now that I'm counting down the days... I'm starting to think/stress about the little details. I've gotten a few comments about bringing salt packets for mile 17-19 (to prevent cramping?), should I do that? Should I bring my fuel belt, or should I just rely on the water stations they have at every 1.5-2 miles? Any tips/tricks/secrets/must do's/must do not's would be greatly appreciated!!! The race is in VA Beach...the weather should hopefully be in the high 50's. Have I mentioned that I'm nervous?

daisysle · February 2012

How exciting for your first marathon!!! #1 piece of advice...HAVE FUN! seriously enjoy as much as you can. There is nothing like the feeling of finishing your first marathon.

As for your fuel belt, I would wear it. I have worn mine at every marathon I have ran. I like being able to fuel & hydrate when I want to, not when I have the opportunity to.

I've heard of people carrying salt packets but I never have. I wear my fuel belt with water in the bottles and gels in the pocket.

I would also suggest arriving early. I like to arrive to a big event, such as a marathon, about 1 hour prior to the start.

Don't eat anything different or new the days leading up to the marathon, the night before the marathon or the morning of the marathon!!

psyri · February 2012

I am running that marathon too. Starting to get excited!!

You generally shouldn't try anything new in a race that you haven't already tested out in training. Unless you trained with salt packets, I wouldn't bring them to the marathon (FWIW, I eat a handful of pretzels, but this is something I have taught myself to do and have done on my long runs). You'll get different opinions on the Fuelbelt. I am bringing mine since I take a sip or two every few minutes and I like the ease of having water/Gatorade available when I want it. I have never regretted racing with the Fuelbelt, and I have definitely kicked myself a few times I didn't race with it.

Enjoy taper madness, and good luck on race day!

KrissMrs · February 2012

daisysle:

Don't eat anything different or new the days leading up to the marathon, the night before the marathon or the morning of the marathon!!

Does that include carb loading? The things I have read re: carb loading are crazy....like 2-3 days of straight carbs, no fat/low fiber, and about 620grams of carbs a day!!! That will definitely be different. I want to fuel my body, but I don't want to mess everything up right before the race. Do you do drastic carb loading?

psyri · February 2012

KrissMrs:
daisysle:

Don't eat anything different or new the days leading up to the marathon, the night before the marathon or the morning of the marathon!!

Does that include carb loading? The things I have read re: carb loading are crazy....like 2-3 days of straight carbs, no fat/low fiber, and about 620grams of carbs a day!!! That will definitely be different. I want to fuel my body, but I don't want to mess everything up right before the race. Do you do drastic carb loading?

I've taken this to mean extra servings of carbs of whatever carbs you usually eat, plus whatever you usually eat. So I'll have an extra piece of bread (say, a chicken sandwich instead of just a chicken breast), or more rice, or an extra helping of pasta, in the couple of days before a marathon.

shorty20 · February 2012

Ooooh, I'm excited for you, there's nothing quite like your first marathon, mine was such an amazing experience

I agree to go with what you've trained with. If you've never used salt packets, don't bring them. If you've trained with your fuel belt, bring it. I've worn mine for both of my fulls and all the halves I've done. For me it's a security blanket. I like having my own stuff on me and available when I want it, and not have to wait a mile or two until the next water stop.

Enjoy the taper and try to relax. You'll probably feel like you're going to go crazy since you're not running as much, but it's what your body needs, so just go with it.

I also agree to get there early so you have time to pee and you won't feel rushed and stressed. Make sure that you wear an outfit that you've worn previously on your long runs. Don't wear anything new where there's a possibilty of chafing or riding up, etc, you don't want to have to mess with annoying stuff like that on race day.

Seriously, have fun and enjoy it. Don't stress too much about your time, your goal should be just to finish the first one, you can work on your time with your next one.

Good luck!

MrsMattix · February 2012

So excited for you! My tips are:

body glide everywhere, under the bra straps, under the boobs, between your legs (if you're wearing shorts, anywhere you think will rub, it WILL.

if it will be chilly at the start bring a trash bag to wear, cut out a place for head and arms. If it's not needed you can sit on it while you wait for the start.

bring your water, that way you don't have to stop at the first couple water tables which everyone will. I like to have my own so I can take gu at my own pace and sip water with it. I've only done the salt packets once and it did work but that's your call, gatorade helps me to not cramp too.

I like to have everything ready for when I get home because I'm usually exhausted and can't think straight. Meal or coconut water ready in the fridge, 2 bags of ice (if you do ice baths, they are not fun during but really help!) just whatever you think you'll need so it's ready!

You're going to do GREAT and at the end you will be a MARATHONER!

daisysle · February 2012

psyri:
KrissMrs:
daisysle:

Don't eat anything different or new the days leading up to the marathon, the night before the marathon or the morning of the marathon!!

Does that include carb loading? The things I have read re: carb loading are crazy....like 2-3 days of straight carbs, no fat/low fiber, and about 620grams of carbs a day!!! That will definitely be different. I want to fuel my body, but I don't want to mess everything up right before the race. Do you do drastic carb loading?

I've taken this to mean extra servings of carbs of whatever carbs you usually eat, plus whatever you usually eat. So I'll have an extra piece of bread (say, a chicken sandwich instead of just a chicken breast), or more rice, or an extra helping of pasta, in the couple of days before a marathon.

This exactly. Or maybe eat what you ate the night before your long runs (liek your 22 miler).

KrissMrs · February 2012

I ate ice cream before my 22 miler! lol I felt great for the whole run, so maybe it helped.

Thank you soooo much for all of your advice, ladies. Just the fact that you are excited for me helps. I've wanted to do this for so long, and I can't believe it is finally here. I go from super confident to scared out of my mind, but, I know I've worked hard, I know I can push through the hard parts, and I know I want to cross that finish line.

These tips are great...keep them coming!

vballgrl512 · February 2012

I just completed my first one last weekend in Myrtle Beach! The tips you've gotten are great. My mom has completed 7 marathons and so I tried to take advice from her. The main things she said that I followed were: Don't try anything new, don't start off too fast, and ENJOY the run! Honestly it was one of the best experiences of my life. I know its hard to do, but don't stress! Just remember you've trained for it, and so it will be a piece of cake!

kristen8040 · February 2012

Good luck! The girls here gave great advice already. In addition to not eating anything new, don't wear anything new. If you have an outfit planned, make sure you test it out first to make sure it's comfortable. Don't go out too fast! If you follow the pace you've been training at, you'll be fine. Most importantly, enjoy the scenery, the fans, and the whole experience, you'll never forget your first!

jerseygirl81 · February 2012

I don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said, but good luck and have fun! I had so much fun, I wish I could have another first marathon!

Help me prepare for my 1st marathon!

Re: Help me prepare for my 1st marathon!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards