Thursday, February 4, 2010

Race Plans

Well, it's three days from the big race. It's a bit strange to think that most everything I've done since July has pointed to this day, to Feb. 7, to Sunday. I know that strange sensation will only grow as we near closer to race day, and part of my preparation for the marathon will be to not let that affect me.

As I think about the race itself, I think it would be best to put my plans down here in print (not really print in the true sense of the word but you get the point). While I am not concerned with time, that doesn't mean I can just go out and run without keeping time in mind.

OUTFIT/GEAR

What I wore on my 22-miler is what I'll wear on Sunday; shoes, thick socks, awesome workout underwear, pocket-less shorts, long-sleeve black undershirt, pink Lopers shirt, sunglasses, LB hat, gloves. I'll also have my BlackBerry Bold and The Garmin with me as well. I'm taking five packets of Gu with me along with my four Fuel Belt bottles filled to the brim with Gatorade.

if it ain't broke, why fix it?

I am taping up the nips, probably on Saturday night. I think they'll be fine. That's one thing that I've sorta kinda gotten under control.

The other thing I might take with me is a garbage bag, in case it rains. And my bib of course.

GETTING TO START LINE

We're staying a few blocks down from the start line so my plan is to get up at about 5 in the morning, eat and get dressed. I'm going to eat a bagel and an energy bar along with some Gatorade.

RUNNING THE RACE

For a while, I'd pictured running the whole marathon by myself. I just figured that I would say hello to my Loper pals before the race and then we'd all go our separate ways. But after our 12-miler two weeks ago, one of our pace leaders said he would help pace us along if we wanted. It sounds like a great idea. Part of me thought (and thinks) that I should run this race by myself, to tackle the beast alone. But another part of me thinks that since I put in so much time with my running group I might as well see the race through with them.

Now, my pace leader offered to take us up to 20 miles or however long we needed him to. He's run 55 marathons so I think he knows what he's doing. I trust him and my initial plan is to stay with him and the group until about the 20-mile mark. If I get the urge to go alone sooner than that, I will. But I think it will be a great experience to run my first marathon with my Loper pals. There are four of us who will run our first marathons on Sunday and it will be great to accomplish the feat together, at least part of it.

MUSIC

Since I'll be with a group, that lessens the need for music. I am still going to have my awesome playlist with me, the entire 4.5-hour playlist but I split it up into three parts. I might tweak this a little but this is the third part of the playlist and the part that I'll probably listen to when I go solo after Mile 20.

LB's heavy artillery

I will have at my disposal my awesome running songs (I do have to add Johnny Cash's Highwayman in there by the way, it was slated for the second part of the playlist). Also, I will have at my disposal the fantastic piece of technology to play this through, my awesome Bold, which doubles as a phone. I haven't decided yet how I want to handle that part, if I should have Mrs. LB (and anyone else I guess) hit me up on my run at certain times or whenever she can or whatever, you know?

POST-RACE

I haven't yet decided what kind of pose to do at the finish. I've actually put a lot of thought into this. It might be one of the four poses that follows:

stick LBs celebrating

I know it sounds (and looks) silly, to contemplate the final pose, but I think at some point down the final stretch this will be what helps drive me to the end. And I don't want to just feel so beaten down that I just crawl across the finish.

I will also have Mrs. LB bring me some stuff with her to finish line, notably sandals. My blog buddy Angie told me that I will want to get out of my shoes quickly once I finish the race so I'll make sure I have that option. Also, a camera (duh), maybe a dry shirt or something, some snacks, drinks, that kind of stuff as well. I know there will be stuff at the race too but I just want to be sure.

I don't know yet if Mrs. LB will be waiting for me at the finish or somewhere along the course near the finish. At my half-marathon, they were right near the finish, before the finish line, and it gave me a good jolt to finish strong. I might leave that up to Mrs. LB, though, where she wants to be at the end.

Anyway, those are my plans. I know there are many more that I didn't cover (food for the next few days, for instance) or that I didn't embellish on but I don't want to overwhelm me (or you) more than I already have.

12 comments:

Jephy's Mom said...

Boy when you plan ahead, you really think of everything. I like the arms up in victory pose for crossing the finish line (reminds me of cyclists crossing the finish line) and then the pose in the bottom right, if you have the energy for it.

Jen Feeny said...

It sounds like you def have this under control. Here are a few things I would suggest for your Finish Line bag:

Slide sandals so you can put on dry socks. It might be cold, you might want your tootsies to be warm but def get out of those shoes!

Ace bandages & instant ice packs. These were a life saver after Chicago. I cracked them to life and aced them on to my knees. Instant relief.

Advil, aleve, ibuprofen.

Clif bar, Water, banana, I know you mentioned having this but just wanted to reiterate the point. I got loaded up with food after mine but I was so disoriented and trying to find my family I dumped it all in the trash without thinking and was so glad I had that carrot cake clif bar in my bag once I finally found them! LOL!

Track/Running pants to slip on and a jacket/sweatshirt. Once reality sets in you're going to be cold.

Travel size baby wipes. Because you are going to be a salty mess and you'll want to get it off your face.

I'm so excited for you!!!! I seriously am going to be thinking about you all day Sunday! Are they doing chip tracking??? Good luck LB! You are going to do great!

I leave you with a final bit of advice and a poem that truly inspired me for Chicago:

Wake up race morning, look in the mirror and tell yourself: I am going to FINISH a marathon today!

Positive attitude is KEY!


THE VICTOR by C.W. Longenecker


If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will.
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

ROCK THAT MARATHON LB!!!!!! :)

Kerrie said...

You are going to rock this marathon, LB. I'm so excited for you! Definitely, add The Highwaymen to the last part of your playlist -- great song! Also, I love that you are thinking of poses ahead of time. That is a great idea. Is that last one a Hulk Hogan pose?

Katie A. said...

You are all set! I am soooo excited for you! And I can't wait for the race photos of you in the PINK shirt!
I think it will be very helpful to run with your pack members, but also give yourself the out that you don't need to talk the whole time. You may or may not want to, and that play list will be helpful.
And the poses at the end - you crack me up!!!
BTW, they are going to have you go through a pretty long finishing shoot if they are smart. The thinking behind this is you will need to continue to move and get adreniline out of your system. So if they wifey and fam see you just before the finish, they will have plenty of time to walk over to the end of the shoot to see you. They are very strict usually in NOT allowing anyone but race officals and racers in the shoot, so she should have plenty of time to get to you.
And very smart in brining sandals. That is always the first thing I put on, along with some sweat pants. You're legs may start cramping, and keeping them warm, even if it is already warm out is key - it will minimize the painful cramping.
GOOD LUCK! I am sooo excited for you! I have ran four marathons myself, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. But I am sure you are on information overload - you already have it down, just enjoy the next few days!

Willoughby said...

Your excitement is contagious! I almost feel like I'm getting ready to run a marathon on Sunday!

The pose on the bottom right is my favorite. I'd love to see that posted on your blog sometime Sunday night or Monday morning.

I see the helmet cam is still absent from your checklist (when is your birthday?). Oh, well, we'll all be with you in spirit, cheering you to the finish line.

Tattoos and Teething Rings said...

PLEASE take pics of the victory dance!! Haha, I can't wait to hear about how it all went. Good luck!

Lisa said...

These are great plans and you have thought of things that people probably never think of.

LOVE the pink shirt!

Bring some options for breakfast incase nerves get the better of you and you can't eat what you brought.

I love that you will be racing with the Lopers. Seems appropriate but why break away from them at mile 20? It seems that might be when you need the most. Just a thought.

Definitely take pics. We want to see them.

I will be thinking of you and sending good vibes to you on Sunday morning.

Lisa said...

p.s. I like the arms up victory pose. Classic!

Jill said...

Looks like you got it all covered! Go get 'em!!!!!

Lisa said...

Woo hoo! It is almost here! You sound very well prepared. I think I need to start planning more. I liked the other advice you received as well.

You'll be easy to spot in your pink shirt. I'll have my pink one on too. :-)

Good luck!!!

thrasherswife said...

Thought about you this morning and just how dang close it is for you. You are going to rock it my friend and I can't wait to hear all about it. Ok, LOVE the stick figure finish poses, you just forgot one thing, the tears of joy and accomplishment, which will be well deserved. I know we will all have them streaming down our faces while we read your celebration post! You go, LB!!!

Angie Eats Peace said...

Ditto the baby wipes, I forgot about those.