More Random Lessons I Have Learned Along "My Running Path"

My 6/4/14 post was so well received that I decided to add more lessons to the list.  So, here goes...  

• The moment you cross the finish line of your first marathon, you are changed forever!  It is truly a moment that you will never forget!                             

image from:  www.weightcruncher.com

                                      

• Wear a hat with a brim when running in the rain.  The brim will prevent rain from getting in your eyes -- rain in your eyes really hinders your ability to see!                                                        
• Temper your "adrenaline surge" when racing.  Do not go out too fast!  You will bonk in the later miles of the race, whether it is a marathon, half-marathon, or even a 10K.                     
• In marathons with many thousands of participants, do not go to the first water table to hydrate -- it will be very crowded, causing you to slow down, come to a screeching halt, or even worse, get injured.                                                                                                                 
• Run for a cause -- something that is much bigger than you.  If you raise money for a charity, you will really think twice about quitting in the middle of the race -- chances are that the group that you are running for is in worse shape than you are in at that moment when you want to quit.                                                                                                                           
• Never wear brand new running shoes on race day!                                                                     
• Be sure to wash brand new clothes prior to racing in them.                                                          
• Do not take Motrin or Aleve the day of a race -- it may cause you to become dehydrated.     
• Always carry Extra Strength Tylenol with you -- wrap two capsules in tin foil and place in your shorts/skirt pocket.  If running a marathon, wrap four capsules in tin foil, two in one piece of tin foil and two more in another.                                                                                        
• Do not use antiperspirant the morning of a marathon or half-marathon -- underarm deodorant inhibits sweating, a big problem if you are trying to keep your body temperature cool while running.                                                                                                     
• Try Coca Cola or Pepsi at around mile 16-18 in a long run of 20 miles or more.  If it works for you, I would use it during the actual marathon at around the 17 or 18 mile mark.

The feedback and additional lessons that my readers left after reading my 6/4/14 post was terrific.  Please see the Comments Section of my 6/4 post for their great suggestions.

Keep on running!  Any questions, please ask in the Comments Section below -- I look forward to helping you along your running journey!