nervous!
I have many weeks {about 21} until the marathon. I just spent about 1/2 hour researching marathon tips and marathon wardrobes, etc.
I have NO IDEA what I'm doing!
I don't know what the right type of shirt, short, shoe, jacket, hat is. I don't know what to eat before, during, or after. I have no clue what an energy gel is {ok, I have some clue but I've never seen these before}. I don't know what to eat during training. What's a Champion chip {I did pick up that this is a chip used to time racers}? How fast should I be running {as my plan is right now...to finish}. How much strength training should I be doing?
I mean, I have a whole page of notes in front of me. I just feel kind of lost, you know? Especially when it comes to clothing for the big day. I don't know if I'll be able to run a marathon in the shoes I own right now; but I probably don't have a choice. Cotton shirts are all I have. I can't go out and spend money on Coolmax stuff {no matter how many times I read that I should}. Shoot, I don't even know if I'll be able to get one of those water bottle fanny pack things {although I really hate carrying water when I run}. Especially when some of that clothing just gets tossed out of my wardrobe {I don't know if this marathon donates the discarded clothing or not - I didn't even know what runners did with those extra layers}.
I'm feeling intimidated, too. I've come across several running blogs: Run Like a Mother: the Book, Tall Mom on the Run, Racing with Babes, It's Just One Foot in Front of the Other, One Run at a Time - there are more {a LOT more}. I know that I just started running at all...but it's hard not to be so intimidated. They all seem like they were born runners.
I have NO IDEA what I'm doing!
I don't know what the right type of shirt, short, shoe, jacket, hat is. I don't know what to eat before, during, or after. I have no clue what an energy gel is {ok, I have some clue but I've never seen these before}. I don't know what to eat during training. What's a Champion chip {I did pick up that this is a chip used to time racers}? How fast should I be running {as my plan is right now...to finish}. How much strength training should I be doing?
I mean, I have a whole page of notes in front of me. I just feel kind of lost, you know? Especially when it comes to clothing for the big day. I don't know if I'll be able to run a marathon in the shoes I own right now; but I probably don't have a choice. Cotton shirts are all I have. I can't go out and spend money on Coolmax stuff {no matter how many times I read that I should}. Shoot, I don't even know if I'll be able to get one of those water bottle fanny pack things {although I really hate carrying water when I run}. Especially when some of that clothing just gets tossed out of my wardrobe {I don't know if this marathon donates the discarded clothing or not - I didn't even know what runners did with those extra layers}.
I'm feeling intimidated, too. I've come across several running blogs: Run Like a Mother: the Book, Tall Mom on the Run, Racing with Babes, It's Just One Foot in Front of the Other, One Run at a Time - there are more {a LOT more}. I know that I just started running at all...but it's hard not to be so intimidated. They all seem like they were born runners.
Comments
First of all, the cotton shirts will be fine unless you're planning on winning medals. Your shoes NEED to be good, if you spend money on anything make it your shoes. I wear new balance b/c my feet are wide. Socks? Don't worry about them, you are going to be blistered no matter how you prepare. Don't worry about the water pack thing, there will be plenty of water avaiable on the course. Most importantly, PACE YOURSELF! if you need to walk only do it for less than 2 minutes, because your muscles will tigten up and it will be hard to run again. HOW EXCITING!! Email me with any questions.
Have you been running long? 21 weeks till you marathon, your first?
What's your training plan? I have a zillion questions, I should email you tomorrow.
I was not a born runner. You'll have to read some old posts to find out just how much I wasn't born to run...but I am doing it anyway!...and for a long time. Running is a big part of who I am and fufills many needs in my life. I believe my running is a gift and I LOVE to share my experince, encouragement and thoughts with others who are on the same path. So....give me an email I'd love to help where I can!
It sounds like you needs some of those companies to sponsor reviews...lol!