I made it through 6 weeks of training for the Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon–now all I have to do is make it through taper week.
I started the week with a watchless run. It was a bit harder and a bit farther than I intended, but I don’t think it was too much. I am planning another outdoor run on Wednesday to get more exposure to the heat and humidity, but it will only be 4.5 miles. Tomorrow I will do yoga and/or a light elliptical workout, and will probably do the same on Thursday. Friday I will take a walk. Saturday I will at most do yoga. How does that sound?
Here is a list of things I still need to figure out before Sunday (before Saturday, really!):
~ Stay at a hotel the night before ($300+) or leave the house at 5:00 am the morning of?
I am leaning towards the latter, and probably will cancel my hotel reservation today. Not just because of the money, but it’s a big factor. The race start is at 7:00, they want people lining up at 6:30, and its about an hour away. I could get up at 4:30, leave at 5:00, and get there in plenty of time for a potty break. I get up at 5:00 on weekdays anyway . . . .
~ Use my Camelbak backpack pouch or just a 20 oz. water bottle in my hydration belt?
I am really on the fence with this one. The Camelbak can be annoying, but it’s not as bad as being thirsty or dehydrated. On the other hand . . .
~ Bring any mid-race fuel? If so, what?
I didn’t need anything when I did my 12 mile training run. If I have Gatorade in my water bottle that should be enough, but I don’t think I’d put Gatorade in the Camelbak. I think I have some Gu Chews somewhere that I could bring just in case.
~ Playlist
I need a new/updated playlist since none of my current ones are long enough. Thanks to Katy’s guest post on Heather’s blog I now know about a cool website with song lists keyed to a target pace (based on BPM) (http://jog.fm).
~ What to have for pre-race breakfast?
This is not a big deal if I leave from home and can decide at the last minute, but I should have a basic plan since I won’t have much time to spare. Maybe a protein shake and a PB/J sandwich or granola bar for the road? Maybe a banana just in case? And coffee, most definitely.
~ Clothing?
I pretty much know what I’m wearing, and will remember a hat, sunscreen and Bodyglide. I also need to bring a change of clothes for the ride home.
~Anything else?
Update:
Zooma just posted this course overview. Why did I think it was an easy route?
We cross this bridge twice! At miles 4-5 and 10-11.
I will not be intimidated by another bridge . . . .
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Isn't it crazy all the things to think about for races?! I know I would probably do the hydration belt to have the Gatorade you're used to using. I would also save the hotel $ because I'm a cheapo like that. LOL
Can't wait to hear how it goes!
First of all enjoy your half marathon it is truly an amazing experience!!!!
My own thoughts on everything:
I have done both hotel and get up early. I prefer getting up early, hotel was just nerve wracking for me, unfamiliar harder to sleep night before, scramble for food and coffee in the AM etc. I did not mind waking up early and having the comfort of my own bed, kitchen etc.
Bring a packet of mid race fuel to have just encase, better to have and not need than to want it and not have it.
Is there water stops along the way? I prefer to carry a small water bottle on my belt and use water at stops than be weighed down by a big pack of water but thats just me.
Pre race breakfast just have what you had before your 12 miler, stick to what you know you can handle. I keep mine the same fruit and oatmeal and of course coffee is a must hehe I have starbucks on way in, and it is ALWAYS a post race treat LOL literally during the races I always seem to run by one on route and I always remind myself thats what im working for to finish hehe
Yup I sunscreened up before I left the house since it takes time set into skin, bring a change of clothes and sandals! I forgot mine after this last race and was bummed out. My feet need air and space after a half every time I switch into sandals. Bring snacks too encase you dont like what they have and are hungry 😉 I always travel with food haha
I am soo excited to read your recap I have been following your training etc. Your blog comes to my inbox every day 😉
Go girl!!!!!
Don't they have water/aid stations there? 🙂 I'd skip the camelbak, use your belt if you think you need it.
Yea, I'd bring some sort of midrace fuel. You're funny, this is stuff you should have thought of a while ago. But then again, I' m sure I'll have a post similar to this the week before my tri.
So much to think about! I hope you have a great race.
Good luck on your half mary this weekend!!
I've tried to run with a Camelbak. I can't do it. Way too annoying. I use a handheld carrier w/ a 24oz bottle. There's only been one half where that hasn't been enough water, but the water stations refilled it for me.
As far as nutrition, I've always heard you should never do anything new on race day. Personally I used to take 1/2 gu before & the other 1/2 at the
Midway point. Now I eat sports beans every couple of miles instead.
Listen to your body. You've trained for this. You got this!
Can't wait to read your race recap!
Enjoy and good luck! 🙂
Wouldn't they have water stations along the way so you could avoid the camlback
I think I would vote to skip the hotel – sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings would just add to my nerves so if I didn't have to, I wouldn't.
I would go with the water bottle to supplement the water stations – (I wish I had done that this past weekend!)
Pre-race food? I'd stick to whatever you ate before your long runs. I used Chomps during my half since I had used them during my long runs. I'd definitely keep something on hand just in case.
And yes, don't forget the sunscreen – and post-race clothes. For me I wanted out of my running shoes so bad when I was done!
You're almost there! Can't wait to hear how it goes!! Good luck!
Wow, it's so close. I'd skip the hotel. If only it wasn't so much $, then maybe. Love the music website link, thanks for sharing!
That bridge looks a little freaky.
You're going to do great!! Good luck!!!
Water-wise, do what your most comfortable with; as for mid-race fuel, take whatever you're used to. Most races of this distance provide something, but make sure it's something you've had before. Don't want any surprises. As for your pre-race breakfast, again, do what you're used to doing. Do whatever you did for your 10 miler a while back if that worked. It's "only" another 5k to it.
Otherwise, relax. Have fun. If it's hot, it's hot. You can't control those elements.
Wow! Thanks for all of these great tips.
I canceled my hotel reservation. My friend who got me into this whole thing will be picking me up around 5:00 am. 🙂
On the water: yes, they will have water stations every 2 miles, but I don't do well relying on water stations, and 2 miles is a long way to go if you get thirsty in between. Plus, I heard from people who did this race last year that it was hot and they wished they'd had their Camelbaks. Still, I do think my 20 oz. bottle should be enough if I supplement at the water stations.
I probably will stash my chews in my fuel belt, but probably won't use them unless I'm desperate. 😉
I love the idea to bring sandals!
Thanks, again. I'm feeling better now – and I got my bib in the mail today (368)!
I don't have any words of wisdom since I've never run this distance (yet!). Just wanted to wish you good luck!!
As for the bridge, I've run in a few times recenty. The picture makes it look scarier than it is. I can't lie, is it's not easy but it's do-able. And on the bright side, we'll be running from the side
on the right in the picture first, up the steeper part first, so coming back over to finish will be a little easier; a little less of a hill build. Or at least it feels that way when I've run it. 🙂
What do you eat before your long runs? I would stick with what has worked for you in training as far as a pre-race breakfast so you don't risk tummy troubles. Water: I use a handheld with water and also take water at the water stations as needed. I definitely can't rely on the water stations alone or I would get too dehydrated but a 16 to 20 ounce bottle is good enough to supplement. You most likely won't need the chews if you didn't need them in training. However, sometimes with the increased speed, conditions, and based on your pre-race fueling, you may end up needed something. I usually carry a gel with me just in case. It comes in handy to have something because you never know. For instance, I did an Olympic distance tri a couple years ago. I made sure I carried at least one extra gel with me. I wasn't planning on using it on the bike since I had sports drink in my water bottle. But I ended feeling queasy and out of sorts shortly into the bike leg. I decided to try the gel, thinking I somehow needed the fuel. I was right because I started feeling better withina a few minutes.
Pingback: Race Recap: PVTC Go Fourth 8+K | Running With Perseverance