Philly Marathon, Here I Come
Today I walked 6.5 miles in preparation for the 13-mile half-marathon I’ll be walking on November 18th in Philadelphia. This is my first marathon and I’m not quite sure what to expect. For example:
- Are there places to stop to go to the bathroom?
- I assume I don’t have to bring my own water, right?
- Is it rude to bring my iPod when I’m walking with my sister? I mean, I don’t know if I can keep up a conversation AND walk for 13 miles.
A year ago I never would have considered a marathon. I still find walking tedious and time-consuming as a workout in general. But I’m really proud of myself for taking on this challenge.
As an aside, my 9 yo son walked with me today. Yes, for 6.5 miles. He was running uphill at the end of the walk. I’m curious to see if his legs will be sore tomorrow. Mine are already.
PHAT = Parenting, Homeschooling And Technology. That about sums up my life at the moment.
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genia | Nov 4, 2007 | Reply
I was a crew member for the Avon 3 Day walk in NY in 2005 and worked at a rest stop where there were porta pottys, water, snacks and a nurse/medical station. Most are run this way in some fashion. If there’s a race website, there should be a course map and a FAQ section.
As for the Ipod…not sure. Maybe your sister will bring one too?
carli | Nov 4, 2007 | Reply
This is where the need-to-know OCD comes in handy for other people.
From the Philly Marathon Web site (answering two of your ??S):
What are the locations for the port-a-johns?
Port-a-johns are located at the start/finish line area. Additionally, port-a-johns will be located at each water stop on the course.
And also. . .
Can I use a baby jogger, MP3 player, roller blades, scooter, bike, headphones, or earbuds?
No. Insurance restrictions prohibit the use of these devices.
This was in the paper this week. . .
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/01/sports/othersports/01marathon.html?em&ex=1194062400&en=f85ab7281f7a61bc&ei=5087%0A
I don’t know what I’d do without tunes while walking or running. Well, yeah, I do, I’d just play them over in my head without the actual music, but it’s not the same. I’d sneak in my ipod. Good luck on the walk. Sounds like fun.
Jill - GlossyVeneer | Nov 4, 2007 | Reply
I’m training for the Rock’n'Roll marathon in Arizona in January. While I’ve never done one before, my understanding is that every marathon has port-a-potties along the course. They also usually provide water and some kind of energy drink. It’s a good idea to find out what kind of energy drink your race is using and try it before the race or just plan on not drinking it. You can get sick if you ingest something that you are unfamiliar with during the intense exercise.
lori | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
I just ran my first 1/2 marathon last month. It was a fantastic experience! I trained with my mp3 player going every time I hit the road. While mp3 players were permitted in the race I participated in, I hardly used mine. There was just so much going on around me — the sights, the spectators/cheering crowd, the other runners/walkers — that my mind was occupied and the race went by pretty quickly (compared to training). You’ll probably have a lot of fun and won’t miss your music one bit. Enjoy!
dana | Nov 5, 2007 | Reply
Wow, girl! You are more ambitious than I am. Good luck. I wish I could say I’ve done this, but I have not. I’m anxious to hear how it goes!
JayMonster | Nov 6, 2007 | Reply
After too many years as a sendentary being, I just finished my first MILE. I am admiring (and slightly jealous, but in a good way) of what you are doing. Good Luck and enjoy yourself.
Amy | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
WOW! That is impressive! I don’t think I could ever manage a marathon but you sure are inspiring me to think about it
Dana | Nov 10, 2007 | Reply
Congratulations and that is impressive!
I read somewhere that walking is actually quite good exercise since it is lower impact than things like jogging. I enjoy it, but haven’t walked that far in ages.
Suburban Oblivion | Nov 10, 2007 | Reply
You lost me at the whole marathon thing, but I wanted to tell you I LOVE what you’ve done with your blog lately! Looks tons better!!!
motherofbun | Nov 11, 2007 | Reply
Yeay! SO excited for you. Hope you’ll blog about the experience.
As for that 6.5 mile walk? IMPRESSIVE! ANd very cool.
workout mommy | Nov 12, 2007 | Reply
Congratulations!!! To answer your questions:
yes, there will be plenty of port ajohns a long the way.
same with water and snacks. one hint is to wait until the end of the water line to get water. That way you won’t be run over by others.
The rules always say no ipods/headphones but every race I’ve done has plenty of people using them. No one is going to kick you out for having headphones.
Enjoy the crowds and energy—running a race is always very inspirational.
http://www.workoutmommy.com