new guy

I`m new to running since march 07...couldn`t run a mile then...now i`m training to run the a1a marathon which is totally amazing because until 6yrs ago i was a daily alcohol and drug user...i chose the a1a because i go down to ft lauderdale every february to see my parents anyway...i`m up to a 14mile long run and 30mpm...by the time the marathon rolls around i`ll have a couple 20 milers and 2 weeks to taper...the main thing i`m worried about is training in upstate ny and running in florida...i`ll get down there about 4-5 days early and take a couple slow jogs so hopefully i`ll get a little used to the weather...any suggestions??? other than quitting!!! hehehehe

Bring suntan lotion

You'll be fine. You may want to hydrate a little more in advance of the run, but you should concentrate on enjoying your first marathon.

Really great advice, but I think there is one thing missing. You need to try all of these things during your training runs to see how your body reacts to the various tabs and fluids. You really don't want to do anything new on race day, including shoes and clothing articles.

I am from Chicago and you saw how well we handled the heat in the infamous Chicago Marathon. I am in the same boat as you. Training runs are in the 20's and I am more concerned with black ice than with overheating. I just know from running in the summer that I need to maintain a slower pace than I run now and if I do not then I will get in trouble. At least there is an ocean nearby.
Kenal0

Hey thanks for the great advice...I just bought a nike dryfit hat.I`ve been taking power gels on my long runs and they don`t bother me at all.In fact,i actually love the taste! I plan on drinking water starting at the 4 mile mark.Just a little bit to start.Then power gels at 8 and 16 miles.So do you think i should still take salt tablets or are the gels enough? I`ll have 6 days there before the race to take a couple easy jogs.And i`ll take your advice and do them around 10:00...Training is going real good.I have an 18 miler Saturday and i`ll get in 1 20 miler then have a 2 week taper.I have my pace figured out but i`ll slow down if i have to avoid passing out! Thanks for the tips...Peace

I live and train here as well and have never used endurolytes or salt tabs. It has a lot to do with what kind of "sweater" you are as opposed to just saying to take them because it is warm. I trained this past summer for a race in mid-August, so I ran through some brutally hot days with just the gels. I, too, use Hammer Gel, simply because I feel they work best for me. I've used Gu and Accel as well, and still do so on occasion. If you are here six days in advance, you will have enough time to get a feel for what you will need here. We all differ, and you need to keep with what you know will help you. One of your keys will be to alternate the non-water with the water on the course. Again, I think the best thing is to always listen to your body. Unless someone is paying you to cross the line, you should be focused on having a fun and pleasant experience.

My point exactly. I guess I am fortunate that I don't have problems with cramping. Those of us that don't will do more harm than good by introducing endurolytes or salt that are unnecessary. I drink Smart Water because it has electrolytes without the sugar--I have a hard time with the sugar loads contained in most "sports:" drinks. I just want our new guy to know that all things should be tested and to go with what works for him. Running is what we share in common; everything else is individual. 8)

Ok good stuff so far...Now i`m thinking about electrolytes. Is there enough in the sports drinks at the water stations or do you think i need to take something extra? I do sweat alot and the heat does wear me out. Thanks again i appreciate the help.

For the majority of runners, the electrolytes in sports drinks does the trick. You just need to remember to get the sports drink at the water stations--as well as water. I think you said you be here for six days prior to the race...right? You should be able to gauge the level of intake of the sports drink and water, so you should have a good idea about how frequently you should grad the sports drink at the water stops. While hyponatremia is always a concern, it only really becomes an issue when you guzzle a lot of water without any other type of drink. The salf an electrolytes in the course sports drinks does the trick for the vast marjority of runners.

Edited Mon 4th Feb 2008 10:15 pm by JP262

Thanks JP and everybody else. I ran 20 miles on Monday. Took 2 power gels and had a 20 oz water bottle with a half and half mix of water and gatorade g-2. That seemed to work out pretty good. No stomach issues and i felt pretty good for most of it. Did feel it in my legs pretty bad towards the end but i think i started out too fast so i`ll adjust. Be heading to florida Monday,so i`ll have 6 days to get in a few runs. And then it`s go time baby!!! Thanks again everybody...Peace

Sounds like you had a good long run. When you get here, you should try to get out to the beach and run along A1A. I don't know where you are staying, but the weather on the beach is very different from the weather inland (it's South Florida and sometimes it is raining on one side of the street and not the other). I hope you have a great time and a great race. I am running the half as a tune up for a marathon in April, but I'll be out there cheering the marathoners along. One last note--you go into a state park at mile 22. The park is beautiful, but there aren't a lot of people around. You should get yourself mentally prepared for that part. The park is Hugh Taylor Birch and is at Sunrise and A1A. It costs a dollar for pedestrians to get in. If you have the chance to get there and go through it before the race, it wouldn't hurt. It's about a 2 mile loop from when you enter to when you exit. Good luck and happy running!