and that means this is the month of my first ever half marathon!
The butterflies have officially started even though I posted yesterday on FaceBook that I wasnt nervous. Yet.
I started this blog over a year ago as a way to document my journey towards this goal, and while there have been some interruptions with tendonitis and an broken ankle, IT is finally here. Still not sure how that happend so quickly.
I'll admit training has been rough lately but it is what it is and there's nothing I can do to change it. I still believe that I can complete the distance within a reasonable amount of time. The only unknown is how I will do with the hills. My plan has always been to walk them, or at least part of them, so I'm not too worried about that and I think the energy at the race will definitely help me push through.
I guess my only issue right now is figuring out race day logistics and how I will fuel. I don't really want to carry my water bottle for 13.1 miles so I need to figure out where the water stations will be. The race starts at 7am so heat won't be a factor but I do know that I need to hydrate and I'm hoping that drinking water at each water station will be enough. Fuel is more of an issue for me than hydration is because I haven't figured out yet what to do about that.
I've tried sport beans and they are ok but not sure if they have enough kick in them for a half marathon. I've also tried Sharkies; they were just ok too. Any suggestions besides GUs?
I've got a 10 miler mapped out for either tomorrow or Sunday. Hoping to do it tomorrow and run to my daughter's soccer game but I need to fuel for that today and so far I'm not off to a good start. Fuel is obviously an issue for me.
I agree that the Sports Beans don't have enough kick. I've also tried Shot Blocks (sp?) and they killed my stomach. My personal fave is to use the regular Gu and the Gu Roctane (it has caffeine). But, you were asking if anything besides GUs.... Eeek!
ReplyDeleteYES YES YES!!! I'm so excited for you! This half marathon looks amazing, it should be awesome. You're gonna do great, I can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteYeah! I'm so excited you're running the Nike women's half! Definitely try to practice with your fuel before the big day. Everyone is different but I really like HammerGel gels and drink, HEED. If you don't like the gels & solids, you could try just doing the sugar drinks instead? There should be offerings at the water stations. Definitely drink a little water at each station and maybe the energy drinks too. Then, you won't need to carry fuel with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you Lisa! I trained with my hydration belt during the entire summer and the night before my half, I decided not to wear it. The water stations at my half were plentyful. As for fuel...I will say, sportbeans do not cut it for me. I'm still trying to figure that out. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're going to do awesome, Lisa! Keep getting pumped!
ReplyDeleteLisa--No matter what, don't try something new on race day! I do find the gels are easier to take on a race day b/c they go down w/o having to chew. I'd also recommend going w/ the water stops and not taking a belt along...you'll be happy w/o the extra weight!
ReplyDeleteGu Roctanes are really something special. Pricey, but I race with them almost exclusively.
ReplyDeleteGu Chomps are my favorite non-gel.
A pop tart stashed in your shorts? Don't knock it, 'til you've tried it.
I second the Gu Chomps! I can't for the life of me down a Gu gel in less than 2 miles...that is how gross they are for me. But the Gu Chomps were yummy! So happy for you that the time is finally here! Can't wait to hear about it! Good luck on your 10 miler! ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck. I third the gu chomps!
ReplyDeleteWalking the hills is a successful strategy, so I think you've got them covered.
ReplyDeleteI suggest carrying the water bottle, it doesn't hurt to have a supplement.
Finally, for marathons I wear a little wrist pack and I cram about 3 packages of kids' fruit snacks in there. Delicious, pure sugar and easy on the belly.
How exciting! I'm running a half-marathon this month, too!
ReplyDeleteI drink a G2 water mix on runs longer than 8 miles. In terms of other fuel, I am a big fan of gummy bears on long runs. GUs are also okay. Shot Bloks can be hit or miss for me - sometimes they give me acid reflux.
Experiment with this stuff NOW, ie carrying the water bottle and what to do for fuel. I swear by Hammer Gels . . . easy on the stomach and never kicks me in the ass with a sugar rush like a GU often does.
ReplyDeleteGu Chomps, Power Bar Energy Gels and Honey Stingers are some of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteMake sure to practice so you don't get sick race day.