Tricks of the trade

There are a few things to know when it comes to running, and that's what you need to find out before your race. What do you like to have on you? What don't you like to have? What outfit is comfortable? And where do you stash your keys?

I've developed a few do's and dont's for my races and I'll share them all with everyone. I'm nice like that.
Dont's:

• Wear a fuel belt. I find they ride too high on my torso which annoys me. Plus, if you are in a race where there are aid stations, you will not lack for liquid. You should also be able to stash enough GU's in your shorts, bra, where ever, to not need a fuel belt. I've worn them twice. The first time I needed it for a tampon holder, and the second time I wore it to keep a phone on me. It was okay, just not my favorite. The second time I wore it, it ended up rubbing my side raw. OUCH! Not fun to deal with in a marathon. The only time I have really had a desire for a fuel belt that holds water, is when its 90+ degrees outside and I'm running a trail with few water fountains.

Apparently I have a firm view of fuel belts. I just hate that it bounces up and down with every step!

Do's:

• Vaseline your toes. This will help prevent blisters...oh how I love vaseline on my toes. Slap it on, and dont use it sparingly.

• Take an 8 hour tylenol before your race. I love this stuff--I swear it helps. Just make sure you try it before you race with it.

• Music. Always have it, even if you might not use it. There are times when you need to focus your mind on something else besides your body--use music to distract your mind from the aches and pains. Other times I find that music drives me nuts and its one more thing for my mind to listen to. I still like to have the option of using it, so I take it with me.
  

• I've never used Body Glide, but I hear it works well for spots that rub. I may be investing in some if I don't slim my thunder thighs back down to small.

Apparently I don't have any more advice. I'm a minimalist by nature, and try to run that way. My best word of advice is to find what works for you. And use vaseline on the toes, it's wonderful.

Dressing right

I don't know about the rest of the world, but here in Utah its still a little cold out. And by little I mean yesterday we got to a high of I think 38, and I thought it was pretty warm. Still not the weather to run in shorts, but we're getting closer!

Because the majority of my races happen in the summer, I'll address those issues. I wont lie--I spent the first 16 marathons in adidas shorts, and a tank from wal-mart. I did break down last summer and buy a real pair of running shorts with the built in panties. I do really like my adidas shorts--they've pulled through for me every time.

I've only done one marathon in my "real" shorts, but here's something I didn't like. I am not tall, so to get the panties to fit right, the waste band is practically under my chest (okay, a slight exaggeration) Perhaps I got a size too big? When they are pulled up all the way, they are shorter than I like. Maybe if I had cute legs I wouldn't mind showing off some hot and toned thighs, but for the present time, I prefer to hide as much of them as possible!
My tank I have from wal-mart was the best $8 investment of my life. I now have 3 of them (went back for more once I realized they were my BFF in the running department).


They haven't been in the store for a couple of years, but they are available online for $7! Wow, go get some today! They also have bright colors which are always fun to wear in a race, it makes you easily identifiable to your fans.

I don't like running in t-shirts. They are too hot, too big (why do they never fit me right?) and just not a friend of me.

My #1 arsenol of choice is a bandana. I wish I could convert everyone to wearing one.

(I was so much skinnier 2 years ago!! So sad!)

The bandana saves you from wiping sweat from your face and it keeps your hair out of your face (perfect for the short haired runners like myself). I've only been able to convert a couple people to it, but give it a try-its awesome. AWESOME!!

As far as clothing goes, you need to wear what works for you. Everyone has bulges in different spots so if your arm rubs against tank, maybe a tighter fitting shirt is an option. Some people wear capris to keep legs from rubbing together. You just need to experiment and find what works for you. I don't spend a lot on fancy running clothes. I figure something from wal-mart is sufficient, after all, I'm just going to get it really sweaty.

Did I skip over socks? I just wear sock from wal-mart for training and for a race I will wear socks more specific to running.

Oh yes, and one more thing. The beginning of a race is always cold. I like to layer on a long sleeved shirt that I can easily take off while running and throw to the side of the race (or wrap around my waist). I always get these from a thrift store for a few bucks so I dont feel bad tossing it aside. I've been in races where a hat and gloves are worn more than half way through. So, be familiar with the weather conditions and dress appropriately. Its not fun to run while your body is freezing to death.

Up next: all that extra clutter and good advice for a race