Marathon Virgin - What do I need for big day ?

fliston12

Well it is fast approaching and I feel like a kid starting school.....

Anyone pro's out there with any answers to these please:

I haven't a clue where / when to pick up my number ?
Should I bring a walkman with me - or is this a stupid idea ?
What type and how many sport drinks should I bring if any ?
Will be bringing vaseline and plasters for the joggers nipple !

Also roughly where / when does it start and finish (so I can arrange for a lift home!)

Am I missing anything ?

All help appreciated.
Cheers

Marathon_Man

fliston12 wrote:

I haven't a clue where / when to pick up my number ?

RDS Saturday & Sunday. Can't pickup Monday

fliston12 wrote:

Should I bring a walkman with me - or is this a stupid idea ?

Is you don't use one on your long runs forget it.

fliston12 wrote:

What type and how many sport drinks should I bring if any ?

Have you tried any already? I think they use gatorade on the course but you get a cup not a bottle. It's a bit difficult to carry loads of bottles when you are running. Try carbo loading http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Information/Fitness/carb1.htm
and maybe energy gels http://www.gusports.com/
U can pickup something like this in Boots

fliston12 wrote:

Also roughly where / when does it start and finish (so I can arrange for a lift home!)

Nassau street 9am. How fast can you run? Finishes whenever you've run 26.2 miles.

You might look at this http://www.dublincitymarathon.ie/general_faq.php

fliston12

Cheers m8 - thanks for the info.

Went into boots (the one in bloomfields in Dun Laoghaire) and couldnt find the gels - are they only in specific branches or is there anywhere else I can get them ?

cheers

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

iregk

Well, I personally dont think you need to carry drinks. Every couple of miles there are ample stops to get some fluids into you, ranging from water to luco to powerbar.

What I would recommend is that when you go in on the weekend to collect your number in the RDS bring money in with you. The rds does be full of stalls selling running equipment that covers everything. Buy a pair of good asics running socks. They cost about €10 but they are seemless and well worth it!

Also head over to the powerbar stand and get some carb gel packs. About 3 should be enough for the marathon. I use them and do use them during marathons and they are a life saver. Small gel back that you dump in one, wash down with some water (yes they are disgusting!) but they give you a bomb of carbs into your muslces and with it some extra endurance.

I personally wouldn't worry about a walk man. I use one while out running but not on race days as there are more than enough people around you to not get bored. If its your first, don't bring it, enjoy the athmosphere and just have a good day out.

hunnymonster

you need to go to the RDS duing the day on either saturday or sunday. If you bring your confirmation of entry e-mail it makes it a bit quicker (but no problem if you forget). There you will get your number, timing chip and there are loads of talks, demonstrations and sporting shops etc. you also get a goodie bag but it has to be said that the quality of the Dublin goodie bag is very poor compared to most races.

what you need to race day.... because I race abroad I actually ahve a printed packing list. How much of it will be useful to you is up to you to decide but I'll copy it here

trainers
socks
singlet
shorts
sports bra
race belt (or safety pins)
championchip strap
lube ( I use the durex stuff because I also swim so need something that won't rot a wetsuit)
plasters
black bag or old jumper (to stay warm at start)
gels (usually only 2 for a marathon if I'm well enough glycogen loaded)
HRM (strap & watch)
anti-diorehha (sp?)pills
caffeine pills
filtered water
germolene

DOnt' forget things like warm clothes for afterwards and mosny for that pint you've been thinking of thewhole way around.


It is actually against the rules to wear a walkman in a marathon. Unless you're at the top end of the race though it's unlikely you'll get disqualified for it. It does mean you'll miss out on all the atmosphere and support though so unless you really need it for motivation or pacing, I'd skip it.



The race starts on Nassua street and finishes just around the ocrner in Merrion square. MOst of the streets in and around trinity will be closed so you may have to walk a wee bit to get your list. I assume Baggott street remains open so that migt be a good option?

hunnymonster

Dave, it has been gatorade for last couple of years. They hand it out in cups but here is a top tip for anyone who needs a bit extra. The volunteers have no problem with you running around the back of the table and grabbing a full bottle to go...