IT IS TIME!

So most of the training for the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend should be behind everyone by now and the tapering is in full swing. The practice of tapering down before a big race must have been thought of by someone who either had the foresight to realize how important it was to taper off”¦or by the rest of us who have foolishly over trained for a race in the interest of getting faster and suffered a minor injury. What a mistake. Tapering is definitely preventative maintenance.

So now that we have this tapering thing all squared away it’s time to start planning for our trip to Walt Disney World and the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.

So what’s the first thing on everyone’s mind?

Weather

Yes sir. That is number one on everyone’s list, especially after the 2010 WDW Marathon weekend brought us sleet for the half marathon and a cold, brisk, and windy morning for the full marathon. A television weatherman friend of mine once told me that weather forecasts are pretty accurate up to 36 hours ahead of time. After you go beyond that 36-hour period however, all bets are off.

If you are already monitoring the weather forecasts for marathon weekend in Orlando please take them with a grain of salt. Regardless of what the forecast calls for, be prepared for everything and anything”¦after all, we are talking January. Be ready to run regardless of whether it’s hot, cold, wet, or dry.

Running Garb

Let’s talk about clothing. First and foremost let’s make sure we take only those things that we have run with during our training runs. We are comfortable with those tops, shorts, tights, socks and shoes so let’s not tempt discomfort and purchase a new pair of shorts or a top at the expo to wear in our race.

One consideration is to bring an old sweatshirt that you may have thought about throwing out or giving away. If the start of the race is in cold temps the sweatshirt will come in handy”¦an hour or two later you may want to discard that piece of clothing.

Running Gadgets

Who said running is a cheap sport? Runners now take to the roads with several hundred dollars worth of gadgets that play music, time their runs, figure out pace and distance and also monitors heart rate.
If you run with music then you are probably putting the final touches on your playlist or playlists so you will have the right “tunes” to get you through the race. Put your music player and charger on your packing list. While you’re add it, you may want to not just pack your primary ear buds you use to listen, but also add a backup pair, just in case.

Don’t forget that running watch. If you happen to have a watch like a Garmin which makes use of GPS technology be sure to pack the charger to keep the watch battery in good shape. It may also be a good idea to pack a charger you can hook up in your rental car, if you will be renting one. It never hurts to have that extra option.

Nutrition

Then there’s the matter of a running or fuel belt. If you’ve never run with a belt before than now’s not the time to start because we once again will be dealing with the comfort/discomfort factor. But if you have been training with a running belt and feel you need one for your race then put that on your packing list.

Now let’s talk about what to put in that belt. If you are wearing a belt that carries one or more bottles, you probably have a favorite liquid to put in those bottles. Be sure you are consistent and use the same contents you used during your training runs. Some prefer water while others like electrolyte replenishment fluids.

There will be water stops throughout your race but with your belt you don’t have to stop at these water stops to hydrate throughout the race. Better yet, use the water stops and save your fluids for when there aren’t any water stops around.

Nutrition is a big deal these days and things like gels, energy beans and other alternative sources of energy are available for all runners. If you have used any of these on your training runs, then your body is used to having an even keel of nutrition throughout your workout.

Do whatever is necessary to maintain that even keel during your race. Pack your favorite nutrition element for the trip. Also, if you are in the habit of drinking protein shakes either before or after your workout, don’t betray your body or forgot your protein powder.

Remember, the whole idea is to make your race experience just like your training experience. You want to enjoy the race so make it feel just like it does at home.

What Else?

Oh yes there are a few other things you need to remember for marathon weekend.

Have you printed and signed waivers for all the races you are doing? If so, then put them in a folder and put that folder in your luggage now or better yet”¦put them in your carryon so you won’t forget them. It may also be a good idea to bring a long a copy of your race fee receipts, and if you are doing so, your race retreat receipt as well”¦try to be prepared.

The most important gift I received at Christmas was a RoadID bracelet that I can wear when I run. It identifies me if I run into some trouble and will hasten any assistance I need. I intend to wear mine on Marathon Weekend and I encourage you to do the same if you have one. If you don’t have one, consider getting one. You never know when it will come in handy.

Timing is Everything

The last thing I want to mention is the importance of time”¦that is”¦making sure you are in time for your race. RunDisney races begin early in the morning to help the race impact theme park guests as little as possible.

This means runners have to get up extra early to get to the waiting area and corrals in time for race start.

A few days before your big race you may want to get into the habit of getting up earlier and earlier each morning as you get closer to race day. This will help you get used to not just getting up early but also getting to bed early”¦as you will need to do the night before your race. If this is your first Disney race, my words aren’t necessary because you will have a tough time sleeping the night before the race.

Play it safe the night before the race and set your room clock to wake you up, along with your cell phone alarm, and also use your wake-up service”¦three shots at waking you up”¦one of them and hopefully all three will work so you won’t oversleep”¦and one more thing, you’re training to get up early so don’t even think of that snooze button.

Okay”¦are we ready?

Weather? Check! Clothes? Check! Playlist? Check! Ear buds? Check!
Running watch? Check! Running belt? Check! Nutrition? Check!
Alarm clock? Check! Training to get up early? Check!

Okay!

Let’s do this!

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