Pre-Marathon Miscues

Several training partners are competing in the Steamtown Marathon on October 7. Mike W., Lou, Mike M., Andy, and Pete will all be attempting Boston Marathon qualifying times. With their great training over the summer I'm sure they all have legit chances at reaching their goal.

In case they don't feel so confident and attempt to push the next two weeks, here are some miscues typically made and what you should do, according to a November 2007 Running Times article by Greg McMillan. (I'm paraphrasing, not direct quotes).
  1. Try to minimize non-running stressors at work and home over the next 12 days. So, beg for less chores, let the grass grow, don't work overtime, take an extra day off from work this week, find ways to have fun and relax, like watching the Yankees take over first place from the Red Sox.
  2. Don't get too worked up in the day or two before the race. Review your positive workouts and races leading up to the marathon, focus on the opportunity the race provides and being able to do what you love to do with 1,800 other people.
  3. Don't rest so much during the taper so that you get sluggish. Take an extra day off and reduce training mileage by 20-30% each week, but do some speed work.
  4. Prepare and pack for marathon weekend and race morning. Have a plan in place for eating, race morning clothes, fluids to have the days before the race. Know what you can eat race morning (and drink) and have it ready upon wakening. You don't need to be rushing around race morning. Don't try new foods, drinks, gu, whatever the day of the race. Just don't do it. Stay with what worked in training. Don't drink or eat what they provide in the race unless you used it in training with no problems. Better to carry your own stuff and know your stomach won't get upset.
  5. (this is mine). Stay away from people with colds. Wash your hands constantly! If someone at work is sick, keep away, tell them to send an email if they have to communicate with you. Get a little extra sleep over the next week.

In my opinion, the memories you will have for years about giving all you can to the race that you prepared for over the last 3-4 months, the effort you give in the race, the highs and maybe lows of race day, are far more important, and will remain so, than any report you wrote at work, meeting held, or day you stayed late or went in early in the next 12 days.

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2007 at 5:16 AM

    Very good advice. I admit to be being a little more nervouse for this race as I don't know how many more marathons I am going to want to do. In the same light, I am looking forward to this race a little more, too.

    ReplyDelete

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