Precautions for First-time marathoners
Like me there are several runners who are attempting their first marathons. We have questions and more questions for our goal is to finish the first marathon (42k) and like Dick Beardsley, an American marathon champion, said: ``Once you cross that finish line, no matter how slow you were, no matter how fast you were, your life changes forever.''
I want my life to change forever, so would others I guess. I have several questions/doubts about how to go about running this event. And though We have trained our butts off, we would like to get proper mental preparedness only because RACE DAY is completely different from what we have experienced during training.
What do we eat, how early do we eat, what to wear (sunglasses to ward off the glare and caps, colour of our vests, does black attract too much of heat), do we carry our water/water belts, how do you approach the task, do you look forward to the finish and destroy the mind or take it one km at a time, how to keep hydrating, how not to race with others and set your own target, and last of all, HOW TO TACKLE THE LAST 4-7 KMS.
We have several champion runners who have gone through this process of running their first Marathon. Now they are the masters and willing guides. But the forum is open for all kinds of discussions.
I for one have already decided what to wear, what to eat and what to carry as food and drink. Though the organisers have promised to keep water on the Sea Link, I as a precautionary measure will carry water.
Pour your hearts out!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by V Anand on
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Atul: Take care and reach the start line healthy. All the best. Let's run together and have fun all the way. To hell with the pain. You are a strong runner.
All: Sometimes I feel these Gatorade and Lucozade are nothing in comparison to something as natural as Nimbu-Paani. Generous dose of sugar and small amount of salt on two freshlime could do the trick. Rice is good in starch. Boiled rice or brown rice is better in carbohydrates content. But small amount gives you enough carbo.
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Permalink Reply by Vishal on -
I attempted my first FM after 5 previous HM's. Even then the FM is a different beast altogether. I finished my first FM with a timing of 7 HRS 45 min. I finished it in full traffic from Worli onwards. The feeling of finishing it is out of this world. The 2nd one last year ( FM again) took me 6hRS 15 Min . In Traffic from Kemps Corner onwards. Same Feeling of bliss after finishing it.This time I plan to finish it in 5HRS. With or Without Traffic. I dont care. Just finishing it changes your life. After you reach half way the only thing that carries you ahead is your mental toughness and fortitude. Jog, Walk, crawl but try to finish it. Know your limitations though. Pacing is extremely important. Ensure you have energy left to complete the race.As far as food is concerned ,I carried Jelly Beans, Salted almonds, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Snickers,Raisins. Dring water on a regular basis ,at every water station carry a bottle.All the best guys. Believe me , its worth it.
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Vishal: Thanks for the advice. We may need it...
Vishal said:
I attempted my first FM after 5 previous HM's. Even then the FM is a different beast altogether. I finished my first FM with a timing of 7 HRS 45 min. I finished it in full traffic from Worli onwards. The feeling of finishing it is out of this world. The 2nd one last year ( FM again) took me 6hRS 15 Min . In Traffic from Kemps Corner onwards. Same Feeling of bliss after finishing it.This time I plan to finish it in 5HRS. With or Without Traffic. I dont care. Just finishing it changes your life. After you reach half way the only thing that carries you ahead is your mental toughness and fortitude. Jog, Walk, crawl but try to finish it. Know your limitations though. Pacing is extremely important. Ensure you have energy left to complete the race.As far as food is concerned ,I carried Jelly Beans, Salted almonds, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Snickers,Raisins. Dring water on a regular basis ,at every water station carry a bottle.All the best guys. Believe me , its worth it.
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Permalink Reply by Shashidhar Shankar on -
Ram - all the best ! You've trained very hard - now just run the distance !!!!!!!!!
Ram said:
Today, i managed to do 30 kms in four hours at mahalakshmi race course before the unrelenting sun at 10.30 a.m. (i started at 6.25 a.m.) put paid to any further efforts. i think that if somehow i can pull it upto 30 kms in four hours, then remaining 12 kms i will run/walk or walk/ run or walk/walk to reach the finish line. MRC is an open field so when the sun decides that enough is enough, it hits you badly. Fortunately, we might have few shades from the buildings etc. on the route.
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