Since I have no previous marathon experience, I have thought of a few stupid marathon questions.
1. Just how easy is it for the crowd to see the runners in multiple places during the race? In London, this was super easy because of public transportation. In Cincinnati, I'm sure roads are closed. :(
2. Is it stupid if I wear my finishing medal all day? I feel like I will deserve it. :)
3. Will I really feel like partying that night? I would love to (especially since I have cut out alcohol and soda for an entire week!!!)
4. How will I feel the next day? I took the day off, which I think is a good move, but sitting around on the couch for an entire day is not exactly my style.
5. Since I don't get massages regularly, I am not going to get one before the race...but how about after?
6. OK, since this is my first race I am NOT going to worry about pace too much, but come on, there are pace clocks everywhere. I don't want to freak out if I am going too fast in the beginning, but the fact of the matter is, that every race I do, I pace at LEAST a minute faster per mile than my training runs...so for the marathon...what?
7. Just how hungry am I going to be afterwards?
8. Everyone keeps emphasizing warm clothes for the finish. In the London Marathon I saw people wrapping themselves in those foil-looking blankets...won't we be extremely hot afterwards?
That's it I guess...
For now.
Tomorrow I am hopping on a plane to journey back home and REST until the marathon. So no more posts until Saturday. :(
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11 comments:
Hi Emily,
Been enjoying your blog on the Pig! Ran it last year (my first) and I'm returning this year. Thought I'd answer your questions based on my limited experience.
1. not so easy to get around
2. please do
3. probably not
4. get up and move the next day! it will definitely help any stiffness you feel.
5. good idea
6. start at a pace that will probably feel a bit slow. you will not regret this later on!
7. very hungry, but probably not until a few hours later.
8. it's important to have a change of clothes at the end - something dry to put on. once you stop running, you're somewhat damp and as that dampness evaporates, you'll get chilled. the silver space blankets look goofy, but they really do the trick until you can get to the bus to retrieve your change of clothes. I plan on bringing a dry shirt and a lightweight running jacket to change into. I'll also have another pair of shoes (flip flops most likely) cause my feet will be tired and somewhat swollen. It's a big relief to change shoes!
safe travels and see you at the pig! are you running with a pace group?
Sue
i am not running with a pace group...i agonized over whether or not i should do this, and then thought "you know what emily, just finish this one, next time you can THINK about your time". so, not this time but maybe next. listen to me! I'm already mentally signed up for another :)
Emily,
I have enjoyed the posts throughout training. I ran the pig for the first time last year and am running again this year. Don't worry about going out too hard. There are so many people that the first few miles are going to be a bit slow.
I would think about a pace group. Last year I ran with two friends and after we got separted, it got pretty lonely on Eastern Ave. You can always start with a group and then go ahead or drop behind as need be, but the company will be nice.
Ed
Emily,
I've enjoyed your ramblings. For runners, any information is good information as long as it's all taken with a grain of salt. I've run 10 marathons, most in the 4 hr range, which, as a 50+ year old runner, I'm relatively content with (but obviously I'm no expert). All 10 have been different in various ways. Of course, a Boston qualifying time is my perpetual goal, which at 3:45, I may reach this year. Unfortunately, the Pig may or may not be a good experience for me this year due to a fairly serious injury just 3 weeks ago. Oh well, we'll see. To your questions:
1. It's easy for spectators to get from Hyde Park to the finish area, so that's my recommendation. Mariemont is workable, but certainly a tougher ‘commute’ for a spectator.
2. Wear your medal.
3. For me, the marathon is more of a step along the way than a destination, so I'm not prone to partying any more or less that night. I'll definitely have a few beers, but that's about it. I'm a very social person, but a marathon seems to push me more toward reflection than partying. We’re all different.
4. I've never missed a day of work after a marathon. It's part of the process for me. Usually by afternoon my legs are feeling pretty well.
5. I'm not particularly fond of massages. I've gotten maybe one after a race, and didn't seem to get much out of it.
6. You gotta go out slow - you just have to. Most of us finish badly, but it's a question of 2 or 3 miles of pain or 6 or 8 miles (or more). My recommendation is to run maybe 15 at a conservative pace, and if you still feel fresh, pick it up. I can't comment on your pace, because there are way too many unknowns to me, but a minute faster than training pace sounds like a lot to me for a marathon. I’m afraid it’ll be humid this year, which may be another factor to contend with. Be careful.
7. I'm never hungrier after a long run. Often after a long run or marathon, I'm mildly nauseous for a few hours. But that's just me.
Remember, the race is long, and it the end, it’s only against yourself (not an original thought, stolen from someone else).
Good luck. Have a good race.
If you really want to go out the night of the marathon, eat a nice carb-heavy meal after the race (pancakes and fruit are always on the top of my list) then go home and take a nap. You'll be up early for the race and you'll be pretty wiped out from the effort so sleep should come easily. You'll still feel a little tired that night, but not too tired to go out for wings and drinks. Just don't plan to go out dancing.
--Jamie
I said it before, and I'll say it again (even though you probably won't even read this until after the marathon). BATH SPA! If nothing else, this is an awesome excuse to go.
I agree with many of the comments. The pace is important. Start off with your regular pace or slightly slower. At any point you can rethink your strategy. In the begining the adrenaline will be flowing. If you get tired early it is a long run. Plus the clothes at the end. Both years I have been in the pig it has been windy on the river front and is chilly. I say take a change of clothes. The bus for bag check in is easy.
If you feel like walking around after then go for it. It will keep you loose. It sounds like you already ran 20 so you already have an idea how it will be.
I will be in Indy this year and I will miss the great atmosphere.
later and good luck.
Hi Emily,
I've been following you along on your blog during your training. You'll be fine. This is my 7th marathon and 4th Pig. Everything that Sue says is very accurate. You're really going to enjoy the crowd along the course. They'll keep you motivated and pushing yourself. When you head down the "home stretch" the emotions will just run wild. Let them, it's all part of the experience. Just stay relaxed and have fun !! Good luck !!
Doug
Runner Grrrl,
I've read all the comments posted so far, so you'll need no more advice from me. However, I will say this: there are no right or wrong answers. Do what you feel. If and when you run your second, third, fourth, etc., you'll find that the answers change, and continue to evolve with you.........although, you may find some constants.
Enjoy and be proud!
AC
Hi Emily - I have done 27 marathons and am here for the pig.
1. Not sure on this one
2. Go right a head - you deserve special attention :)
3. Some times I have and sometimes not
4. The more you sit the worse it is - try to walk and stretch or swim if you can
5. I usually get one 2 days after - so muscles can heal a bit
6. DON'T go too fast in the beginning -- if you feel slow that is good - trust me -- at mile 20 you won't.
7. Usually not until a few hours later then watch out
8. You cool off quick even when it is hot -- your body is in a bit of shock when you stop. Bring DRY clothes and long sleeves just in case... flip flops are smart too.
GOOD LUCK!
Erica
Wear that medal! You totally earned it.
Also, it's perfectly ok to wear the mylar blanket as a superhero cape for the rest of the week. I know I will!
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