Hi all, I have my first half marathon in March 2013 and I wondered if anyone could talk me through what to expect on the day? What is the usual procedure with regards to turning up, where to go and what to do, getting your chip, how to find your start position, etc?
Also, any advice like what to take with me, are there sports drink/gel stations or just water stations regularly aroud a half course, that kind of thing?
Any advice would be welcome please!! Thanks
Comments
Most likely you will get your chip sent to you too.
Hi Bikerbabe! That's really exciting! I did my first half marathons this year - Bristol and Reading!
First things first .. With all the lead up etc my brain wasn't working on the day so I was really glad I'd laid all my gear, gels, bus passes, chip on shoes etc out the night before! Definitely worth doing!
With regards to procedure, each one is different but you usually have your number before so you don't have to sign in on the day so you can just turn up. I'd be AT LEAST an hour early in case of delays in traffic, queues at baggage etc. Chips are usually sent out with numbers beforehand but if yours haven't been, then be extra early in case there's an hour queue.
There will usually be a baggage lorry where you can drop kit you won't need during the race such as the warm coat you took with (take a warm coat/top - you'll be freezing and nervous before the start!), car keys etc.
Definitely take a bin bag. When you've left your warm top at the baggage drop you'll be cold and a bin bag keeps the heat in and you can dispose if it at the start. You'll look silly but practically EVERYONE will be wearing one. I promise
Start pens should be clearly marked. They're usually in expected finish times (suc as 2:00, 1:50 etc) or number colours or in pace times (9 min/mile etc). If not grab a marshal - there will be loads around to help you.
You should get a course map or race info with your race pack telling you where the water stations and gel / sports drink stations are which will help you plan what to take. However, don't rely on them having what you need - they may run out! better to take what you need if you can carry it! And definitely don't try any new gels on the day ... otherwise a combination of nerves and unexpected sugar can cause dramatic tummy upsets!
Hope this helps! Good luck! Let us know how you get on!!
Jeez - essay. Sorry!
Oh ok, thanks Cougie. I'm just getting a bit excited already, thats all
Thanks RunnyRunRun thats wicked, just what I was looking for! I am so excited already and I haven't even started my 12 week training plan yet, that starts on boxing day so in the mean time I am re-doing a 5K plan to up my mileage!
Good luck Bikerbabe! I loved doing the half marathons as unlike 5ks you can pace yourself and go steady and take in the scenery and soak up the atmosphere. 5 - 10ks I never seem to notice much going on around me as I'm holding on for dear life!
Tee hee well I will definately be on a go slow! I am more a plodder than a speed freak! Thanks Runny
Ringo I am doing the Reading Half on 17th March
Hi Bikerbabe
At the risk of lowering the tone, I would recommend bringing some spare toilet paper for when the portaloos run out.
ummmm...
i asssume uve had sports gels previously ??
lots to expect and prepare for
if ONLY i knew then what i know now
Hi Micknphil
Literatin - sounds like good advice!
Yep, have a variety of clothing now (thats adictive too!) so will dress for the weather... am currently researching nipple rub prevention (lowering the tone again!) as its not nice!!!
Sports gels, nope! Only sports drinks so far as I haven't yet run long enough to warrant needing a gel, but as my running time increases I will try one or two and see how I get on... I understand some runners carry a few jelly beans with them instead of gels, right??
Thanks guys n gals for all the advice!!
one golden rule if i may advise
never try anything new on race day - or the last few days biuld up to it
myself - i would'nt - not even now
Yep, i have read that so many times... stick to what you are used to and what is comfortable... good advice and it makes perfect sense!!
plenty of time inbetween race to experiment
That's one less problem to worry about.
Ok, stick with sports drinks then!
Cougie
gels are something ive never been able to hold down
lucozade and sports drinks also leave me feeling yukky
I've been using those tablets you dissolve in a bottle of water and they are nice, and not fizzy which is good as i don't really like fizzy drinks
good - as long as it works for you
I have loads of vaseline - i swear bit it
though to stop sweat ( or most of it ) getting in or nr my eyes , i wear a cap
ringo
your making me hungary