Sara Wittmeyer’s Blog

I’m in Miami for the marathon. I’m trying to do everything by the book for this race. Since it’s my first, I am relying on the advice of others (namely Hal Higdon) to guide me through the training, tapering, and last couple days before the marathon.

This morning I woke up, went for a short walk on the beach, then tried to eat a carb and protein rich meal: egg white omelet and toast. From there we took a short trip to South Beach before heading to the expo.

The ING expo was the first marathon expo I’ve attended. I was in nervous wreck before going in. Had it not been for my friend John, who is traveling with me, I’m not sure I would have gone inside. I thought I would find being around other runners exciting, but mostly I feel intimidated and out of place. Anyway, we got inside and it was a bit overwhelming. Lots of vendors and information booths. I got my number – #4352. The prices at all the vendors are much better than at running stores or sporting goods places. Plus I felt like the quality was better as was the variety. I was tempted to get some shorts with pockets for my gels, but opted to stick to what I have just because it’s what I’ve trained with. I did stock up on gels, chews, and Powerbars at a great price! John and I separated so he could wait in line to get my Publix gift bag while I browsed some of the booths. The Publix booth had a wheel you could spin for prizes – John ended up winning the grand prize! When he and I met up he was grinning for ear to ear carrying his loot- a big bag full of things including a massager, training log, noise makers, etc. After all of this, I had really calmed down a lot and was just trying to take everything in and enjoy the expo. I bought a shirt to commemorate the race and then John and I headed out. Everything I’ve read says not to spend a lot time walking around the expo. It’s tempting to stay for the guest speakers and shop at all the booths but I’m trying not to be on my feet a lot. The whole time we were at the expo, I didn’t hear anyone say they were running the full marathon. I don’t know what the numbers look like this year, but last year 80% of the runners did the half marathon.

We went to Publix before coming back to the hotel. I wanted to get the food I needed to replicate the meal I ate before my last long run. We loaded up on bagels, bananas, apples, bread, and cereal. I’ve been trying to eat even when I’m not hungry so I have enough stores when I start the race. Dinner tonight was pasta, salmon, and bread. Now, it’s off to sleep – somehow at 7:50 I feel worn out. It’s good though, because every training plan I’ve read says the most important night to get a good night’s sleep is actually two nights before the marathon.

Tomorrow I have a two mile run and will probably drive most of the course.

It’s the eve of my last 20 mile run and I’m approaching it just like I am going to approach marathon day. Everything I’ve read has said it’s crucial to do at least one of your long runs exactly like you are going to do the marathon so you’ll know what does and doesn’t work. For me this means a number of things…

1) Having the perfect play list. I’ll upload my list to the blog when it’s just right, but what I’m working with now is pretty close. It’s a good mix with Miami specific tunes, a few odd balls, and some of the usual running songs.

2) The right clothes. I don’t know how much time I’ve put into this, but as someone who hates to shop, the time I’ve spent looking for shorts, a shirt, and a sports bra seems extremely excessive. …but I think it is going to be worth it. For the longest time, I ran in old basketball shorts because its what I had, they seemed to work fine, and I liked the length. (I have extremely long legs and the short length of many running shorts can make me uncomfortable.) The first time I ran in proper running shorts I was surprised to notice a difference in the ease of my stride and the weight of the material. In addition, I have a fitted mesh tank top that I’ve already tried and I really like. My friend, Maureen, sowed small pockets onto the front of it to hold my energy chews. Tomorrow I’ll try the actually using the pockets for the first time. I’ve had a terrible time finding a sports bra that doesn’t chafe during long runs. I’m still looking for a good one…

3) Food. I started preparing this afternoon after my five mile pace run. I came home and ate pasta and a Bocca Burger… A good mix of carbs and protein I thought. Then, for a treat I had some angel food cake. J I wanted some frozen yogurt or something, but have read that avoiding dairy is a good idea. I’ve also been very conscious of my water consumption, and I’ve been forcing myself to drink a lot. In the morning, I’ll have a cup of coffee, bagel, and maybe a banana. I have a couple energy chews I’ll take on my run to replace the carbs and sodium I lose.  I will also take a gel in case I get really desperate, but gosh, they are hard to stomach. Blah!

4) Getting rest. My work Christmas party was tonight as well as the going away party for the commentator on my politics show. I am missing both so I can get to bed early and wake up fresh with lots of energy. With that said, it’s approaching 10:00 in Missouri and time for me to turn in… Tomorrow is going to be a great day!