Homestretch Training: Part II

With the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend just about a week or so away Michelle Scribner-MacLean and Mike Scopa, co-captains of the AllEars Running team discuss their preparations one week prior to getting on their flight to Orlando.

Mike’s Last Minute Stuff

“Here are the here are five things that I am focusing on before I get on the plane to head for Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

First and foremost is last minute training. With a week to go before my flight I need to not only maintain my level of training but to also not overdo it. I plan to do one more long run and then gradually pull back the distance to keep my legs fresh. For me this means about three or four more runs before the big race.

I fly out on a Thursday so my last run before the race will be Wednesday.

The second area I am focusing on is my running gear. I am one of those runners who are never 100% sure as to what to wear on race day until that morning. So I have settled on bringing three pairs of running shorts, one pair of running tights, and three running shirts. I will pack them the day before I leave. I plan on running in these items between now and that day so I am comfortable with them. I have also been running in the shoes I plan to run in on the big day so that part of my preparation is also set.

Nutrition is next. At this point in the training calendar it’s important not to sway away from what got me “to the ball” so to speak. I continue to eat what I have been eating all these months although I’m a bit light on the portions. I want to be light for the race. I do tend to drink more fluids a week or so before the race. It’s good to get your body used to being as hydrated as possible”¦especially with the potential of running in Florida heat and humidity.

Music has become a part of my training process this year and it looks like I will be running with an iPod Shuffle on race day. In preparation for this I am putting together a playlist that contains songs that are not too fast”¦not too slow”¦but just right for the pace I want to run.

One more thing”¦I am putting the songs in a certain order because there are tunes I want to hear at a specific point on the course. I’ll let you in on a secret”¦.if my calculations are right my last 2-3 miles before the Finish will have me listening to “Tapestry of Dreams.”

Last but not least is sleep”¦.it’s so important. A few days before getting on the plane I will start going to bed earlier and getting up earlier each day. I know Saturday morning will be an early wake-up call and I want my internal clock to get ready as early as possible.
Those are my last minute preparations before getting on that plane”¦my last blog before the race will discuss my plans from the time I step off the plane in Orlando to the start of the race.”

Michelle’s Last Minute Thoughts

“This year I feel a lot more confident and sure of things, since I already have one Disney half marathon under my belt, so “start to panic” is NOT on my last minute “to do” list this year.

First thing on my list is to try to squeeze in at least one more long run. The weather in New Hampshire has not been conducive to running outside, so we’ve been doing most of our long runs on an indoor track, where 8 laps equals just over one mile. I enjoy running, but going around and around and around the same track is like some form of torture”¦but I know how important it is, so I will attempt one more nine or ten mile run in the next two weeks.

The next thing on my list is to gather a wide-variety of clothing. As I recall, last year the temperature ranged from 45 – 60F from race start to finish. I have my preferred race clothes picked out, but there may be rain, it may be colder, may be warmer. Like Mike, I have to consider the possibilities. In addition, I’m going to go through my old clothing and pack a sweatshirt and pants as layers to wear to the coral and peel off just before the race begins (and because Disney collects and donates the discarded clothing to charity, I feel good about leaving it behind).

My music is the next thing I need to get in order before I leave. I’ve been modifying my running play list all year and I may make some last minute changes, but I’m pretty set in what I’m going to listen to. Since I want to be able to listen to the music Disney provides at points along the way, I know I’ll be turning my iPod off along the way, so I’m not going to worry about the order of my music. One thing is certain; the Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Pow” (our Team AllEars song) will be on the list.

Finally, I need the support of my “peeps” and also need to make sure that I’m there as a cheerleader for all of my teammates. I’m sending this linkto my friends and family.

My bib number is 44319 and Mike’s is 44320 (if you want to follow our progress. I can only speak for myself – I won’t be breaking any speed ¬records, but I feel excited and ready to go.

Boom Boom Pow!”