Up until last weekend I was just running for the fun of it, to keep in shape and hang out with my friends. No pressure.

Running for Home

This week I began my brief training to run the 2016 Boston Marathon and support FamilyAid Boston.

This Sunday we did 16.4 miles with plenty of hills. It wasn’t pretty but I managed to finish. My run re-cap is HERE. The weather was perfect, but I made some mistakes and dealt with some issues.

Monday night we had a team get together in Boston. Most of the local runners were there. I was surprised to hear we have team members from South Carolina and San Francisco! They could not make it. 😉

Team FamilyAid Boston

It was great to meet the Boston-based team. Like all runners, they are a great group of people and we had much to talk about.

Some of us have run many marathons and for a few people this will be their first marathon. Boston was my first marathon and it’s a great way to start the obsession!

Even after 15 marathons I don’t really consider my self an expert. I may be certifiable, but I’m not certified in anything. So giving advice always seems beyond my pay grade, so to speak. But being a runner I did give some tried and true advice.

Like just about anything, there are always at least two theories on what to do and not do. I think everyone can agree on these:

• Don’t wear anything new on race day
• Don’t eat anything new on race day
• Make sure to use the porta pottie before the gun goes off
• Don’t over-hydrate, and I always say – stop drinking an hour before the race and get in the porta pottie line
• The big one – Don’t go out too fast

This may be the most difficult advice to follow. You will be totally pumped up, the course is mostly down hill for the first few miles and you feel great.

There will be huge crowds and kids on the side of the road that want to slap your hand as you run by. You will feel like a rock star!

But don’t be like a rock star and let all of that go to your head and do you in.

The marathon is a long haul and it is all about conserving energy and using it wisely.

Tuesday Night Run

I normally run with my club on Tuesday nights. I had to work late and it was going to be cold with snow. Since I all ready have a cold, I used the treadmill at work for a quick 5 mile run.

My Sunday run revealed a few mechanical issues. The treadmill allowed me to get in a run in a controlled environment. No pot holes to worry about and I could control my pace, 100%. The warm inside air was good for my lungs also.

The run went well and I plan another 5 miler Thursday or Friday. That will bring my weekly total to 26.4 miles. A little light, but not a bad start.

Run well my Friends!

Andy

© 2016 andrew nagelin