Monday, October 13, 2008

The final countdown...

I can't even believe it. I have less then a week until my marathon. The last 2 weeks of training have been much easier with shorter taper runs. So many times throughout my training I thought about this time and whether I would make it or not. You can check out my marathon training blog on my side bar for all the gory, boring details. Of course, I could still have something catastrophic happen, like falling down the stairs, but barring that, it looks like I will be running.

Now that I know my foot is going to hold up, I just have to worry about my bowels! I know this sounds crazy, but I have this incredible fear of pooping my pants while running. Don't laugh, it happens. Check out this guy.



I mean really, someone hose the guy off! I can't help but think if I was in a burning building, I would still stop and use the bathroom before letting this happen. I actually considered wearing some Depends, but was afraid they would chafe and make my butt look big. So, I will take some Imodium instead.

Besides getting me physically ready for the run, the long training runs were good practice for what to take and eat. After trying different types of on the go nutrition I decided on a combination of Sport Beans (think gatorade in a jelly bean) and Sport Moon (again, think gatorade in a fruit snack). I also got better at drinking water without getting cramps. I am hoping to avoid another dehydration debacle like at the NYC half marathon this year. Here is what I carried in my pack on long runs:



Did you notice the little wet wipe? That is in case I had to poop in the bushes, I could at least clean myself. Never had to use it, thankfully! I also bought some pepper spray that I have started to carry now that it is dark in the mornings again.

10 comments:

Suzanne said...

So very exciting to watch you arrive at this point in your training! Yay for you.

What's the music verdict? Same play list as always, new music?

Anonymous said...

Oh.

My.

Gawd!

Initially I just looked at the photo from the waist up and thought it was a generic running photo to enhance your post. Then I read underneath and saw.

Oh my God, Michelle. Damnation! I would definitely sacrifice a few minutes off my time to dump in a bush, wipe with the handy wipe and resume running.

AUUUGGGHHHHH!

Anonymous said...

One more thought, because I cannot look away from the train wreck. Kinda strange that the feces is in front in his lap, don't you think?

Just being practical, but it seems like it would be running down the back of his legs.

Michelle said...

Suz-- I occ add a new song to my play list, or delete one I am tired of. I have also been in to listening to podcasts (ESPN's PTI show. love it!). I will take my ipod but may not actually listen to it.

Cgirl--Isn't that photo too much?! Not sure how it ended up on his front. Maybe it looks worse on his backside. Do you see the looks on the faces of the spectators? Priceless. Thankfully they have porta potties on the actual run. Clearly this guy was shooting for time though!

PARKER FAMILY BLOG said...

Yikes about Mr. Poopy-Pants. I know that race was important to him, but seriously, gross and stinky!
I don't run, but those Jelly Beans look really yummy!
Wow, I can't wait to read about your big race and see lots of great pics.
Good Luck Michelle.
Anne, RAB mom

Anonymous said...

Dont' you dare poop your pants I taught you better than that daughter dear hehe!

Stacey said...

Wow about the guy in the photo. I think I would have stopped. But I guess I would have the same fear. But good luck.

Andrea said...

That is SICK! The faces of the spectators are hilarious though!!! Can't wait to hear all about the marathon, after my 1/2 I knew that was as far as I could endure, lol!

Ash said...

I'm so laughing!! Poor dude.

And thanks for giving me yet one more reason I will never enter a marathon - the poopage issue.

New meaning for the words "got the runs." Tee hee.

If you need another motivation song in your iPod - at Boot Camp the other day, and don't laugh, Chumbawumba's "I get knocked down" came on the rotation, and I'm telling you, I could have lifted a Mack Truck off of a small child with the boost it gave me.

I can't wait to hear how it went!!!!

Em

Ash said...

Sending you good vibes today!!!

Hope all things went well, you know, no poopie to report.

Going to check RAB to see if there's any info...

Em