ARRRGH!

[Pheidippides]

So, I got my registration email today, complete with bib number and instructions for picking up my packet. Turns out I got into the first wave of runners (!) based on my predicted time. I'm quite happy about that.

A question for those of you who are experienced marathoners:

I am considering wearing my fuel belt during the race. Up until now, I hadn't really considered it, but I'm thinking the first few water stops are going to be crowded and I am definitely used to drinking from my plastic flasks. What's more it will make me less dependent on water breaks for the purposes of taking my gels. Also, I have never practiced drinking from cups. It adds two pounds or so (only until I drink the water) but I'm thinking I might go that route. I've gone as far as 21 miles with it on, so I'm not worried about making it a full 26.2 (any more than I am worried in general). Any thoughts? Do any of the rest of you do that?

[Babs]

So, I got my registration email today, complete with bib number and instructions for picking up my packet. Turns out I got into the first wave of runners (!) based on my predicted time. I'm quite happy about that.

A question for those of you who are experienced marathoners:

I am considering wearing my fuel belt during the race. Up until now, I hadn't really considered it, but I'm thinking the first few water stops are going to be crowded and I am definitely used to drinking from my plastic flasks. What's more it will make me less dependent on water breaks for the purposes of taking my gels. Also, I have never practiced drinking from cups. It adds two pounds or so (only until I drink the water) but I'm thinking I might go that route. I've gone as far as 21 miles with it on, so I'm not worried about making it a full 26.2 (any more than I am worried in general). Any thoughts? Do any of the rest of you do that?

fwiw, I think Arch (hi, Arch!) always carries his own water.

[Pheidippides]

fwiw, I think Arch always carries his own water.

That's pretty strong precedent.

[Eddie]

Let us know how everything goes. And I'd love any advice you have from a first-timer for a first-timer.

Due to a number of issues, my running and exercise dropped quite a bit mid November. I've started up again, and decided I need a motivator. So I signed up for my first marathon in Ogden in May. I know running through the winter won't be much fun - which adds to my need for a motivator.

My longest run to date as a little more than 13 miles back in October.

I'm following one of the Hal Higdon training schedules and start official with week 1 next Monday.

Excited and nervous don't begin to describe it...

[Pheidippides]

Let us know how everything goes. And I'd love any advice you have from a first-timer for a first-timer.

Due to a number of issues, my running and exercise dropped quite a bit mid November. I've started up again, and decided I need a motivator. So I signed up for my first marathon in Ogden in May. I know running through the winter won't be much fun - which adds to my need for a motivator.

My longest run to date as a little more than 13 miles back in October.

I'm following one of the Hal Higdon training schedules and start official with week 1 next Monday.

Excited and nervous don't begin to describe it...

I'm planning on doing a Goose-style write up when it's all over. 11 days and counting.

[ERCougar]

So, I got my registration email today, complete with bib number and instructions for picking up my packet. Turns out I got into the first wave of runners (!) based on my predicted time. I'm quite happy about that.

A question for those of you who are experienced marathoners:

I am considering wearing my fuel belt during the race. Up until now, I hadn't really considered it, but I'm thinking the first few water stops are going to be crowded and I am definitely used to drinking from my plastic flasks. What's more it will make me less dependent on water breaks for the purposes of taking my gels. Also, I have never practiced drinking from cups. It adds two pounds or so (only until I drink the water) but I'm thinking I might go that route. I've gone as far as 21 miles with it on, so I'm not worried about making it a full 26.2 (any more than I am worried in general). Any thoughts? Do any of the rest of you do that?

I don't use them. Have you tried running on Gatorade? If so, I'd bag the gels and run alternating between Gatorade and normal water every stop. Unless you like the caffeine kick. I do, so I take a couple of gels (in my pocket) for times when I need the mental boost, then just take them a couple of minutes before the stop, then wash down with water.

[Pheidippides]

I don't use them. Have you tried running on Gatorade? If so, I'd bag the gels and run alternating between Gatorade and normal water every stop. Unless you like the caffeine kick. I do, so I take a couple of gels (in my pocket) for times when I need the mental boost, then just take them a couple of minutes before the stop, then wash down with water.

This is PRECISELY what I do. I use the Gatorade Endurance Formula stuff, at first, then switch to gels because I love the caffeine kick. I need to wash them down right away, though. I'm planning on taking four, which is part of the reason I'm thinking about taking the fuel belt - four is a lot to cart around with me in my pockets.

[Babs]

I'm planning on doing a Goose-style write up when it's all over. 11 days and counting.

No way!

nikuman!? Create a post about himself??

[Pheidippides]

No way!

nikuman!? Create a post about himself??

Just one more way to steal your coveted limelight, dear.

[Babs]

Just one more way to steal your coveted limelight, dear.

dammit. If only I'd known swimsuit pics were legal!

[Pheidippides]

dammit. If only I'd known swimsuit pics were legal!

It's not too late; I dare you! You'll definitely get more attention than me that way.

[Eddie]

I'm planning on doing a Goose-style write up when it's all over. 11 days and counting.

Looking forward to the write up.

I need to get into a running store and be checked out for shoes. I really like the Avia's I wear, but I liked them too much when I should've been replacing them and started getting some hip pain. I figure if I'm going to keep running I should at least take a look at what kind of shoes will keep me going.

[Babs]

It's not too late; I dare you! You'll definitely get more attention than me that way.

nope. the masses have spoken, all fawning over The Nikuman. I couldn't possibly compete. I think I'll just explicitly dramatically and in a very uncool way storm off and go find a new board.

[Pheidippides]

Looking forward to the write up.

I need to get into a running store and be checked out for shoes. I really like the Avia's I wear, but I liked them too much when I should've been replacing them and started getting some hip pain. I figure if I'm going to keep running I should at least take a look at what kind of shoes will keep me going.

I went through several pairs before I found a good fit for me. I do like both Asics and Saucony shoes. They can be pricey, though.

[Babs]

Looking forward to the write up.

stop it!!! DO NOT FEED THE EGO.