Saturday, December 5, 2009

My Last Long Run

I did my last long run before race day. It was an 8 miler which brings my total miles for this second to the last week to 16 miles. I ate a banana and part of a Clif Bar, got ready and rested a full hour before starting out. There were no clouds and the temperature was cool, in the low 60’s. Went out with a long sleeve shirt and noticed all the walkers had on light jackets. I still can’t believe I’m running at 5:30 in the morning in shorts with a cotton T-shirt, no ear protectors or gloves. What a difference from running in the Chicagoland area.

I’ll be picking up my packet on Wednesday at the Honolulu Marathon Expo being held at the Hawaii Convention Center. That’s where I’ll get my running number and timing chip. There is supposed to be a bunch of vendors, but with the slow economy in Hawaii I don’t think there will be much free stuff. The major sponsor this year is Japan Airlines. Wonder if I can get free upgrades to first class for our coach tickets we have to Tokyo next year.

I’m still working on my marathon game plan for next Sunday. Thus far, it looks like this: get up around 3:00, eat a banana and Clif Bar breakfast with water, clean up and get dressed, and do my stretches. Plan to bring 6 Gu gel packs, one for every 4 miles. I’ll also have a cell phone to call Kay and Dennis, her brother, who will be driving my tired body back home. I’m very thankful to have both who are willing to get up early and drive me to Honolulu for my early 5:00 start.

I’ll check in again next week before the race.

10 comments:

Peggy said...

Wow, the race is amost here!
Bet your excited!
Do you think you will sleep in the morning after the race?
I'll be running right along side you my friend. Right there on your shoulder! I'm excited!

Anonymous said...

Whee! Soon it will be the big M-Day! I'll be there with you in spirit. Good luck.

Tif said...

Good luck Dad! That's pretty darn early to be up and running. :) We're still sleeping at that hour. Keep us posted.

Dina said...

We will be rooting for you, Art.

Kay said...

I'm a little worried about the logistics but I'm glad Dennis will have his little computer laptop so we can track you through your shoe timer.

Cheryl said...

You must be so excited now that the race is almost here. I wish you good luck! And of course I will check back in to see how you did.

Dorothy said...

Best of luck my husband of 64 is an ultra marathon cyclist who has traveled over 100,000 miles on his bike five continents and all 50 states..

I'll be reading your adventures.

Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com

Steve, For what it is worth! said...

Have a great Run, Do well.

RONW said...

never realized that preparation also involves getting up earlier than usual a few days prior to race day.

Ed Mooney said...

Great job Art!!!!! Isnt it amazing how easy that 8 miler is after those 20 milers. Good Luck on Sunday.If you can, post your race number so we can track your progress during the race. Ed