PREPARING FOR THE BIG DAY
- By loramarie03
- 11 April, 2012
- 16 Comments
Two random thoughts:
- I hate when people litter. Like, you really can’t walk over to that garbage can and throw your junk away, that you most likely have been carrying around for longer than you realized? This is one of the things I loved about Japan — the streets were SO clean (nevermind that they had people who swept the sidewalks) and the people are so respectful of the environment.
- I feel a small victory when I’m able to color coordinate my bras, undies and socks.
And no, I’m not talking about the big day as in October 13, our coming up extremely fast wedding day. I am of course talking about Boston! I’m happy to report that the projected high for the day has dropped — it looks like the cold front is moving in a little faster so the high is now 67. That, I can deal with.
Phew.
But, I feel like preparing for Boston is unique, mostly because Boston is like no other marathon. Since you sit and wait for the start for a few hours, you need some throwaway gear (the runner’s camp is entertaining because people are dressed in some weird stuff). Because of the late start, there are other food considerations. Which reminds me, anyone know of a good gluten-free power/energy bar? And, because of the number of people, it’s important to get to the expo early in order to get the goods. When I ran in 2010, we waited until early afternoon on Sunday and I snagged the last small in the sweatshirt. They also hand out these awesome posters that have every runner’s name on them.
yeah, i framed it. nbd.
How cool is that? C’s mom asked a vendor if she could have theirs, otherwise we wouldn’t have gotten one. I think we’re going to go to the expo on Saturday just to pick up the poster, and then go back Sunday to do the expo tour when my other half (Kelly) gets into town.
Other tips for first-time Boston runners:
- Bring a Sharpie! I loved this tip — I suppose this could be done for any marathon; but I had read that people write their names down their arms so the fans know who they are cheering for. Definitely on my list to pack.
- Wear sunscreen. I know this should be done on any run, but I read some horror stories over on the Runner’s World forums about people who had the worst sunburn on their arms afterwards. Which only looked weirder after the Sharpie was washed away…
- Plan your pre-marathon dinner now. For people who eat pasta as their last dinner before the marathon, the Italian restaurants book up pretty fast. It’s smart to make a reservation now so you aren’t waiting in line for two hours. But for us people who eat at Chipotle (wait, that’s just me?!), no need to worry.
- Have fun. Boston is such an amazing race, and I know I say this with every marathon, but it’s important to have fun and remember why you are there in the first place. It will give you a chance to enjoy the course and the crazy fans, which is what it’s all about!
Do you have any tips for first-time Boston runners? Any recos for a gluten-free energy bar?
Copyright © 2013
Okay, so Lara Bars are pretty good g-free energy bars, Honeystingers chews are g-free and so is Gu Gel. I would get something in the next day or two though and try it out before a run. Maybe it's because I just have a wacky digestive system with my celiac disease, but I wouldn't recommend just winging it! p.s. Tell C to drink one of the Boston Marathon beers for you and then report back to us how it is!!
OK cool!! Thanks for the tips… I was hoping you would read this.
I have some Honeystingers in my fridge now but need to try them. Yeah definitely wouldn't want to wing it and end up sick on marathon day. No bueno!! 
i will be focusing on having fun in boston…and maybe all that fun will lead me to a PR! i don't know how runners forget/choose not to wear sunscreen! would you lay on a beach for 4 hours and not put on sunscreen? it's the same thing!
Yeah I think it will!! Maybe we'll run into each other there — what's your bib #? I'm in the 13s I think…
At my first marathon in San Diego I put on a ton on sunscreen, but apparently it washed off (aka I sweat it off) and I ended up getting the WORST sunburn. It was so horrible – I didn't even think to go to a medical tent while I was running! (I learned afterwards that they had sunscreen).
Annnnnyway, so excited for you!
Oh no that's awful!! Good tip about medical tents — I didn't think they'd have it either!! And thanks!!
Wear your name on the front of your shirt. Everyone will be cheering for you and it your name is always better than your bib #. Have fun!
Thanks! And great tip!
I so want a poster!!! (my first Boston) – and I will TOTALLY frame it.
YES you have to get one!! They are kind of like the secret loot at the expo — I had no idea they were such a hot item!
I really like LaraBars !!!
IM too scared of a FULL MARY.
1/2-er for LIFE….
unless, one day… nahhhhh.
Ooh you have to do a full!! They are awesome!!
So excited for ya!
Don’t use the sharpie on your arm. People can’t really see it until you pass them buy. What I do for marathons is put it on my name on my sports bra. A few years ago, I didn’t want to ruin my clothes with a marker, so I printed out my name on a piece of paper really big, and then got it laminated. Then I punched some holes in the corners so that I could pin it onto my sports bra. When I was in Boston, people could easily see it and were cheering for me the entire coarse. I sorta felt like a rockstar : ) I think the people around me running were either annoyed or jealous ; )
That's such a cool idea — especially to laminate!!
I would bring something to sit on for Athlete's Village. The best I saw was a blow up lounge mattress like you use in the pool. You can blow it up and lay down on it while you wait for the start. A large piece of plastic will work, too. It doesn't look like they've had much rain this year, and it might be warm, but the ground could still be wet in the morning.
Good call!! At least it won't be too cold sitting there for a few hours… one plus to this heat wave…