Warning: The author is obviosuly suffering the effects of impending marathon induced anxiety and is barely able to formulate a coherent thought let alone make a rational decision. Read at your own risk.
This time around I seem to be maintaining some semblance of composure, even in these last few days of the taper. I feel oddly calm, although I must own up to an apparent case of pre-marathon ADD. One minute I am packing the next I’m clipping toenails, charging race electronics, printing out course maps. No crying jags as yet but the week is young. The forecast for race day is low 35 high 53. Sunny and clear. Soooo here are my potential outfits:
Option 1: Classic black and white. Not terribly distinctive. Plus I’ll probably freeze my arse without sleeves. Let’s face it Deena Kastor I am not. I’ll be out there way longer than 2 and a half hours. I don’t have any of those arm warmer thingies and I know better than to experiment with them on race day. Barring some unexpected, last minute warming, this one is probably out.
Option 2: Boston long sleeve and capris. I like this one and know it will be comfy. Plus how much more hi-viz can you get? I think the sleeves are the right answer. There’s just a part of me that feels smug wearing a Boston outfit. What if I’m dying or retching somewhere? Everybody will be like “oh Boston girl can’t handle it today.” I certainly don’t want to draw attention to myself if I’m struggling.
Option 3: My trusty Zoot top with the same capris as Option 1. This top is the bomb in chill and wind. But is it overkill? If it stayed 35 degrees thru the entire race I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this but it’ll probably warm a bit leaving me overheated.Issue II: Headwear. I am freshly back from getting my marathon haircut. I had a good 3″ lopped off the back–think it’ll get me what maybe 5 seconds off my pace? One can dream. If it’s cool, a headband would be good. Or should I go with my usual ball cap?
Issue III: Fuel.I had this settled long ago. Espresso Hammer gels are my fuel of choice. I even have a flask of the stuff. Then I went to REI for some extras (can never have too many in those late miles) and ALARM! They were fresh out. So I picked up some Power gel ones with 2xcaffeine. Then I saw some Honey Stinger Chews that looked good and an orange GU. Oh and they had the elusive Power Recovery Bars on sale. I was handed one of these in the finishing area in Boston and I swear it tasted like an elixer of the gods it was so delectable. I probably would have found a month old shred of licorice stuck to the bottom of my purse delectable at that point but whatever I picked up a few. Like a kid in a candy store I succumbed to all temptations. Then I got home and read the article on RWOL that named overdoing it on caffeine as one of the possible causes of cardiac arrest during marathons. So needless to say I am rethinking my fueling strategy. Aren’t you so happy you stoppeed by today to see all this nonsense?
I would suggest the Boston gear – I wore mine and my family was so happy that I was in such an easy to spot color. I even heard a few "GO Boston" cheers along the way. I wore a knit hat and I was sure I would toss it part way through the race, but never took it off at all. I was so glad for that warmth when the wind started to blow. And the caffeine – I read that article too and used none at all, fearing "the grabber". I will be thinking about you on Sunday. I will be so anxious to hear how it goes so please don't wait too long to let us know! Good Luck, great race, and remember to treasure the steps. May everything fall into place for you this weekend!
i LOVE the zoot top, oh my gosh. i would like to get one !!! i just got some zoot shorts and i had never heard of the brand but they are my new faves!!! wore them for the 10k and will wear them for the marathon!
if you don't go zoot go with BOSTON! bright colors- always better for races!!! 🙂
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we are in it together, let's go get it 🙂 i will be thinking of you. i sent your card out in the mail, hopefully it comes soon!!!! xoxo
Thank you girls! You are both so sweet.
Lacey the key with Zoot is to find it end-of-season on sale. It's $$$ and it goes fast when it's marked down but I LOVE it!
I say go boston!!