MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I'm running the Great Midlands fun run on Sunday at Sutton Coldfield. Pretty new to the running thing. I've been out today and done 8.2 miles which is the race distance. Just wondering if runners eat or drink over that kind of distance - do the drink stations just provide cups of water or bottles? Was wondering about carrying a Go Gel with me for half way round - worth it or not?
What would you recommend eating night before - presumably not curry and a few lagers?
An occasional runner here. I'd say that at that distance most runners wouldn't bother taking on calories. Having said that, it's your race and you should be happy you're doing the right thing for you. Why not take a gel in your pocket and see how you feel at the half way point? Same goes for water - no need to go mad, but drink a little if you get the opportunity.
Oh, and a nice pasta meal the night before, not too much protein or fat. And stick off the booze. If you're just doing it for fun don't stress too much about all this stuff - just make sure you enjoy the day.
I am doing it for fun but would like to beat my brother in law! - lol
I would imagine that there's a water station. If so grab a cup and (here's the clever bit)pinch the top together so that it doesn't slop all over the place while you are having a drink. you'll be amazed how many people grab a cup, slop a load of water all over themselves, nearly drown and then throw 80% of it away.
PS good luck beating the brother in law.
Given the weather forecast for the weekend, I imagine it'll be warm. In which case, just make sure you're well hydrated before the race (don't drink any more than half an hour before the start though). It's a little more than a 10k, which I did in Bristol a few weeks ago. It was warm and I was dying for a wee sup of water at the 5k mark. You probably won't need a full cup, just a wee sip to sate the thirst and then chuck the rest over your head for a momentary cooling.
Pretty sure you won't need food over that distance though the gel might be an idea...more often than not, with this sort of thing, if you "feel" like it's doing you the power of good, then whether it does or not, it won't do you any harm. As HHH says above, carry one with you because if at 5 or 6 miles you start feeling a bit tired and wishing you had the gel, it'll start to play on your mind. More than likely, if you carry one, you won't use it.
Best of luck.
Completed the run ok and discovered it was 8.5 miles. Thanks for the tips. It was very warm, had a few cups of water on route, had my gel at 5 miles and finished fairly strongly in 1hr 4ish minutes (forgot to look at clock as I went across). Stopping for a P in Sutton Park after 3 miles probably cost me a couple of minutes - mustn't drink quite so much before the next race - 10k on Saturday. Brother in law was about 4 minutes in front - blaming the toilet break!
Well done...that's a good time mate. Yeah, you have to watch for over-hydration - you'll need a pee as you found out. 10K's a lovely distance to run. Best of luck.