The Enlightened Warrior’s 1st Race

It finally happened on July 26, 2009, San Francisco Marathon event. The journey took almost one entire year of training and endurance, but my daughter finished her first event. She even has the medal to prove it although she (almost forget to get it) after crossing the finish line.

Her Pre-Race preparation was as organized as her training. First she was not able to pick up her packet and goodie bag, due to a few unexpected auditions which came up. No matter, I figured out of way to pick it up for her, she was not dodging this one.

In checking her athletic attire, and equipment, I noticed many things missing. Her answer to all the questions about where they were was “I’m going to use yours”. It’s a good thing I brought an extra water bottle. Imagine that!

Despite all the dodging training and previous events, she did well. She only missed her target finish time by 2 minutes. But, you have to see her face in the picture of her crossing the finish line! Something is missing a “smile” maybe. After all, it was the finish the line.

I’m very proud of you “Enlightened Warrior”! You ran the San Francisco Marathon’s First Half-Marathon, the tougher of the two. And you can now say that you ran the Golden Gate Bridge. An additional token to compliment a very memorable event.

Next?

Your Feet Are Your Prize Possession

It is not a good idea to dig out an old pair of shoes and start training. Your feet are your prize possession and they deserve better than that. I always treat my feet with plenty of care not only before and after my runs. I’m often asked jokingly asked if they are insured. My family and friends can be comedians at times.

Treat your feet well and they will help you complete the mileage. Visit an atheletic store and get measurements and an analysis to determine which running shoe is best suited for your running style.

Also, it is important to add proper socks to your athletic gear. And if you feel you need extra cushioning make sure you replace the insoles in your shoes with an atheletic pair of insoles. All these little extras will help make you runs more pleasant, and help your journey to the finish line with happy feet.

Very important suggestion, break your new shoes in a month before your event. Make sure they are comfortable. You do want to start and end the run with your shoes on.

Electrolytes

Make sure you have enough to get you to the finish line. Carry extra rather than run out before you get to the finish line. I miscalculated and lost (22) minutes from my anticipated finish time. I just needed at least one to get me through the race. When mile 21 came upon me, I really needed electrolytes and had none. Needless to say the journey from mile 23 to the finish line was grueling.

If you do not want to worry or deal with carrying the electrolytes, there is another option.
Find out what they will be offering on the course, and train using the exact product. You will not have to worry, because you’ll be able to replenish at the water stops.

It’s not worth it and it is very painful, as well as disappointing when you miss your target finish time. After training six months, you want to perform your best, and finish strong. You don’t want to find yourself looking at yourself in a photograph crossing the finish line and swear, “That’s not me”. Trust me; I did not buy any of those photos.