Marathon Tips 101: Where to run your first?

In this video, I workout the question on where to run your first marathon. I made a blog post on this same subject here:
http://www.network-admin.net/?p=506

Here is my list that I developed:
# close enough to home to try the course at least once before the big day and that family/friends can support you
# good course support (over the whole course)
# flat
# scenic and not simply running around non-picturesque industrial blocks
# well organized
# held at a cool time of the year or in cooler climates
# not too small as to not have competitors to race against and not too large as to be crowded for miles
# does not fill up quickly to allow for last minute schedule or mind changes
# able to be driven around so your family/friends can see you more than just at the start at the finish
# headphone-free or allows headphones depending on your preference
# pacers to help you set your pace
# an Expo to help you get in the race experience
# has the gels or carb support drink that you trained with
# has electronic timing to give you splits or better sends splits to loved ones to provide updates
# walker friendly or the course stays open as long as you need it to (some courses close down well before some are done)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Atkins
• Diet
• Low
• Carb
• Fitness
• Running
• runner
• Bowulf
• Marathon
• Where
• run
• first

[TheDefZon]

If this guy represents running....I would rather return to drinking.

First Timers....Chicago is THE choice. No hills. Great crowds. Great Expo. Great City.

Yes, alot of runners, but that helps the first timer get across the finish line.

[bowulf]

Yeah - running foot to foot with runners for 10 miles until it settles out. Not for me. Give me a quality smaller race like Des Moines or Quad Cities (my last) any day.

As for your first comment, don't let the bottle get you down...

[pinkeye00]

Stop going back and forth in your chair dude.... HUGE distraction!

[bowulf]

Yep, so have a great run for I certainly am.

[TheDefZon]

I am glad you had a laugh. He didn't find my comment as funny as you did. Have a good one!

[MotorcycleK9]

lol

[bowulf]

(cont.) I usually try to eat whenever my stomach will handle it. In the extreme heat of summer, I have eaten a popsicle to cool off, but that's about it. I just generally stick with the same low carb options I eat normally. Be sure to watch my other low carb marathon videos

I just haven't found any reason to add additional carbs whether I am running a 5k fast or 20 mile training run. The only real difference is the electrolytes.

[bowulf]

Before: Before a marathon or any long run, I don't eat anything for at least 4 or so hours before. At most, I will have some Diet Coke w/ Splenda (caffiene) and water.

During: I try to hit every other water stop (every 2 miles), and have electrolyte replacement at least 2-4x. That usually requires my wife meeting me on the course with some low carb replacment drink - like Ultima or tablets. Watch my marathon electrolyte video.

After: usually it's Diet Coke and more water.

[lowcarbcanada]

I would like to know how to incorporate low carb eating with running a marathon. Can you tell me what you are eating and drinking before, during, and after your marathon run?

[bowulf]

Yep, that is a really good plan. That was how my wife started running. I like the easy progression on that plan, but after you finish you are ready to run that distance.