I’ll stop posting about the NJ Marathon eventually…I promise. Think you have it bad? Imagine being Matt! He really can’t wait until it’s over.
Today’s random things are certain race day traditions/superstitions/routines that I MUST do.
- I have to wear my Race Ready shorts. I’m a Nike tempo shorts girl 99% of the time but I need lots of pockets come marathon day. These shorts are NOT for the fashion-conscious; they are pretty hideous but extremely practical. They store my iPod and Shot Bloks nicely. I wish Race Ready would come up with a better design. Or…Nike could design tempo shorts with lots of pockets. Also, pockets in the back stuffed with Shot Bloks = big butt. Did I sell these shorts yet? 😉
- I need to pee at least 5 times before the race begins. I have no idea where the number 5 came from I think it just became a habit/routine. I’ve used a porta potty before and then immediately got back in line to pee again.
- I eat Shot Bloks every 4 miles. So that’s 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 during a marathon. These numbers are embedded in my head. Remember the “numbers” from the TV show LOST? That’s how I am….neurotic.
- I wear my “special” socks and foolishly think they bring me good luck.
Check out this short video. It’s a tour of Nike’s World Headquarters. Can I get a job there and hang out with Kara all day? Maybe I can pitch them my idea about pocketed-tempo shorts?
Please share some of your race day traditions/superstitions/routines so I can feel somewhat normal!
I have to pee at least 5 times before any time I run, but for different reasons than you 🙂
I don’t have any racing traditions, maybe I will as I race more!
I have my a lot of my own (somewhat crazy) race routines too…including going to the porta-potty 17 hundred times beforehand. 🙂 I think having a routine helps calm my anxiety on race day a little bit.
And that video of Nike – amazing! What do I have to do to be able to work there??
Agreed! A routine can be very calming to race day nerves!
those shorts are pretty genius. I have never heard of them but they make sooo much sense. I hope they will realize that and make them fashionable 🙂
I also have to pee 57 times, but that’s just because I like to avoid peeing myself when I run.
Great luck on your race!!
Hahaha, loved the pic of Hurley with “your” numbers! Also love that you posted a porta-potty pic.
Question: Do you do long training runs in your race ready shorts? I have a pair but am not a fan. Hence, my big ol’ fuel belt. It’s the only way I can manage my shotblocks and water (and chapstick, tissues, iPod, Blackberry, etc.). Maybe I’m a running hoarder!
Good luck again. I’m sure Matt will be celebrating for VARIOUS reasons on Sunday! 😉
I do wear the ugly RR shorts. It’s the only way I can stash everything. In the winter I will also use my SPIbelt but I can only use that with running tights. The SPIbelt and shorts doesn’t work for me (causes my shorts to ride up, which is a worse sight then my RR shorts!).
Those are some ugly shorts. 🙂
I pee a gazillion times too.
I also tie and retie my shoes a gazillion times.
Can’t wait for you to run on Sunday!!!!
Me too! They are so ugly…I cringe seeing race day photos 🙂
I do the same thing with shot bloks…i eat them every 2 miles on the DOT. by my garmin too–not even the mile markers. then i throw in some gels too–again, exact miles! runners are crazy people 🙂
im the same way with pre-race pee-ing too. i think i am subconsciously afraid ill have to go in the middle of the race so i make sure i am all set!
I love that you’re so particular with race day prep!! I am, too, and it drives my husband nuts!! Does the jostling around of the ShotBloks drive you crazy when you run? I’d go mental. Jostling things irk me!!
The pockets on those ugly race ready shorts are so deep the Shot Bloks don’t move an inch! I swear! I could not stand if they moved around.