Remember the olden days of blogging?
(waves cane, shouts GIT ON MY LAWN, and invites you to come sit a while.)
Back in the day, we penned very few tips posts.
(I’ll give you a moment to recover from your shock.)
Most of us were what my friend Shauna called Oatmeal Bloggers.
Even if our musings had nothing to do with porridge food, we mostly wrote about the minutiae of our days.
The small stuffs. Nary a listicle or tip enumeration to be found.
Hence the question mark in my post title.
This is not a post listing ‘Tips for your first marathon!’ but a query.
A seeking of tips for first marathons and, more specifically, my first marathon.
The one I’m walking.
I did get me some new shoes…and proper socks.
26.2 I’ve trained for except for the hills and I’m really hoping I can pull those outta my glutes on race day.
26.2 I think I’m prepared for except for hitting Goodwill for toss away cool weather clothing–do I really need that?
26.2 which is a destination race no strike thru here. I CANNOT believe I’m doing a RACECATION!
26.2 for which I’d love all your last minute tips old school blogging style.
(AKA in the comments below.)
- What’s one item you’re certain never to forget when packing for a race?
- From moleskin to anti-chafing stuffs what are must-haves for race day?
- —>Given how l-o-n-g 26.2 will take me to walk: tips on keeping my phone charged!? <—-
Allie says
March 27, 2017 at 4:53 amThe golden rule is nothing new on race day! Do not be tempted to wear something you have not trained in!!! Repeat after me – nothing new on race day! That includes food, socks, deodorant- nothing!
Also bring plenty of fuel – whatever it is you have trained with, make sure you have enough plus a pre-race meal (bagel? banana?) since a lot of restaurants are not open at the time you need them to be race morning.
Lastly, remember why you decided to do this in the first place and HAVE FUN!!!!!!
angela @ happy fit mama says
March 27, 2017 at 5:05 amI second what Allie said – nothing new on race day! For keeping your phone charged…maybe carry a small portable charger that you can plug into when it’s running low? And be sure the charger is charged before race morning. Most importantly HAVE FUN!!! It’s not every day you get to walk your first marathon!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
March 27, 2017 at 6:01 amDid you read the guest post that I did for Madhuri on her first half marathon? YOU NEED TO:
https://pondernwonder.com/2017/03/21/so-its-your-first-race-guest-post/
Body glide, and take bandaids with you
jennifer says
March 27, 2017 at 6:26 amWhere are you racecationing? My tip would be to spare the legs and take taxis for sightseeing pre-marathon and then active recovery walk yer butt off around the town the days after. ahh fond memories of my husband (who would have never run the marathon, just spectated) walking soooooo fast the days after . . . and me begging him to “my quads, slow down”
Coco says
March 27, 2017 at 6:30 amYou only need a throw-away if it will be cold at the start. If you don’t have any garments to donate or if it’s windy or rainy, a garbage bag works really well. For your phone, charge it up and add an external battery to your spi belt. Make sure all apps you aren’t using are closed, and no apps are using background refresh. Plan to relax and enjoy the journey!
MCM Mama Runs says
March 27, 2017 at 6:32 amCheck out the jackery brand of chargers. I have the 12000 one and it gets me through my Ragnar Relays. The 6000 one looks smaller and like it would easily last even a long marathon and heavy usage.
The most important thing to have on marathon day is confidence. You can do this. You will survive the hills. You’ve trained and are ready.
You only need a throw away if you will be standing around in the cold. Too bad you aren’t local to me – I have a huge pile thanks to my 15 year old and a growth spurt LOL.
Good luck! You’ve got this. I’ll FB message you my number if you want “company” on the course.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
March 27, 2017 at 7:09 amI”m so excited for you! I’ve got nothing to add to the comments above–those guys are the experts–but make sure that you remind yourself of all the hard work you’ve done to get here. Keep your eye on the prize–that finish line feeling is like no other.
I can’t wait to read all about it!
ann ledesma says
March 27, 2017 at 7:28 amstay hydrated. it took me almost 5 hours to run one back in the day. dont make any plans to go out afterwards.
messymimi says
March 27, 2017 at 7:28 amThe only thing i can give you is a prayer for an excellent race and that you enjoy it thoroughly.
Leah Nyfeler says
March 27, 2017 at 7:49 amDr. Smith’s Baby Ointment–best prevention & treatment for chafing. It’s messy but available in any baby care aisle. There’s a portable tube. It has seen me chafe-free through many an ultra marathon. Enjoy your race!
Laura says
March 27, 2017 at 9:03 amI’m excited for you!! You are trained and ready… no doubting yourself now… just go and have fun!
Michele Stanten says
March 27, 2017 at 9:23 amLove your shirt! Mine says “Walkers are athletes, too.” Love to send you one!
Agree with the above, especially “nothing new on race day!” Also, don’t go out too fast. It is particularly tempting when you’re walking and so many people are passing you. Make sure you line up at the back of the pack (or last corral unless they have corrals for walkers).
One of the great joys of walking a marathon is that it’s easier to chat and meet people along the way. When spectators encourage you to run (they will even with the t-shirt), let them know “I’m a walker, not a runner.” Can’t wait to hear about your experience!
Good luck! Take it all in! Enjoy it! And smile!
Julie says
March 27, 2017 at 10:43 amYou have all the feedback you need! You got this 🙂 Good luck!!
(and please, where did you get that shirt?? I so need one!!)
cherylann says
March 27, 2017 at 1:08 pmMost marathons are getting away from the walk – too long for roads to be closed, volunteers to be out on the course, safety, etc. Where on earth did you find one that has “walking” allowed? Just curious.
Carly @ Fine Fit Day says
March 27, 2017 at 4:04 pmIf your shoes are so new you haven’t done one of your long walk training walks in them, I would be REALLY hesitant about using them on race day. The golden rule is don’t try anything new on race day. For chargers I’m pretty sure you can get an external charger on amazon and I saw an ultra runner tip that they set their phone to airport mode except when they want to use it, to conserve battery life. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for the whole race, or people who can meet you with fuel at points, because unless it’s a walker friendly marathon, you may find aid stations are closed as you get towards the finish. I can’t wait to hear how much you rock this challenge (because I have no doubt you will!).
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
March 28, 2017 at 1:11 pmI’ve never done more than a half, but I would definitely get some “throw away” gloves.
P.S. I kind of miss the old days of blogging.
Kristal says
April 5, 2017 at 10:14 amLove the ink:) There are a few solar assisted battery backups available, Amazon has plenty! Will you use a phone app to track?
Kristal says
April 5, 2017 at 10:16 amLove the ink:) There are a few solar assisted battery backups available, Amazon has plenty! Will you use a phone app to track, if so use low power mode in battery settings.
tanveer says
April 6, 2017 at 6:23 amMarathon is a whole day process. The best advice I can give is stay hydrated. Your body needs proper blood circulation and the energy to run so drink more water and enjoy the Marathon.