Get Ready!

Yesterday, I took sometime out of my Mardi Gras to prepare for my first training run: I went shopping. No sweat involved : )

This is part of my mental and physical preparation. Seriously. I find that a little reward helps me feel more obligated to my commitments, so I usually get new running clothes before a race and at the beginning of a new training plan.

My favorite place to shop for athletic clothes is Target -- I have found that their C9 line by Champion is sturdy, cute, and affordable. AND THIS WEEK THEY'RE HAVING A SALE (ends Saturday, I think), so I get to feel even better spending the money I don't have.

While I'm talking about clothes, I would like to suggest that you check the information I have on the KRG website and seriously consider getting a new pair of running shoes.

Running shoes are said to have a useful training life of about 500 miles. The training plan we're using has a total of 395 miles, including the marathon, so invest in a good pair of shoes recommended by a knowledgeable sales person. DO NOT GET YOUR SHOES from Payless, Footlocker or Kohls.

When you go to the store, bring a pair of your old running shoes, so they can check out the wear pattern. They will probably ask you to walk and / or run for them there in the store before they make any shoe recommendations. If your sales person doesn't do these simple things, you probably are shopping in the wrong store.

I personally recommend Hanson's. Here's why: not only do the sales associates do the checks I described above, but they are actually world class runners themselves. The Hansons brothers (owners of the store) are supporting and helping local athletes become world class athletes. 2008 Summer Olympians actually work in the local Hanson's stores. How awesome is that? Here's an excerpt of their philosophy (see more in the link above):

It Takes a Village
Kevin and Keith [Hanson] provide the runners—who live and train together in Rochester, Mich.—coaching, employment, housing, health care, and running gear. Support from Brooks Sports, Inc., the Bothell, Washington-based performance running company, enabled the Hansons-Brooks ODP to fulfill its goal of adding a competitive women’s program in 2003.

Plus, Hansons has a Family Frequent Purchase Program: Purchase 3 pairs of shoes within a year, and receive $25 toward your next store purchase. Purchase 4 pair within a year and receive a $40 Gift Certificate. That's a pretty good deal. My last 3 pairs of running shoes cost $80, $90, $85 each. Not too bad in my book.

So get ready! Just 3 more days until our journey begins!

Mental Preparation

• Print out the plan and put it in a conspicuous place.
• Pinpoint why you're doing this and remind yourself when your dedication is flagging.
• Introduce yourself to the other members of this group. We need you to encourage us when we are in a low point, and we'll help you when you struggle.

Physical Preparation

• Build your training equipment inventory: shoes, clothes, gear, and gadgets.
• Put a hard copy of your plan somewhere where you will see it often.
• If you are running outside, figure out how you will stay hydrated (I use a camelbak).
• Get lubricant... Chamois Buttr, BodyGlide, Vaseline.
• Experiment with fuel during your runs. I've used Zone Bars but now swear by Cliff Shot Bloks. Some people swear by Hammer Gel and Gu.
• Avoid alcohol the day before your runs.
• Get enough sleep.
• Measure your baseline (weight, fat percentage, waist measurement).
• Cut your toenails (not too short!).

Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible!