The Very Overdue Remaining 29 Things

29) When running a race you didn't train for at a pace that puts you right between a turtle and a snail, it's all about what you wear. Dress as ridiculously colorfully as possible!

28) Make sure you know where the finish line is so you don't have to take your tired, wobbly legs all over Brooklyn in search of the Beer Garden that doesn't seem to be where it's supposed to be on the map.

27) Speaking of Beer Gardens, one with seats is preferable. Who wants to stand, even for a beer, after they've just run 30 miles?

26) Come to think of it, a beer garden is just not a good place for the finish of any long distance run. Better to finish at home where there is ice and a comfortable place to put up your feet and a pile of menus to order from.

25) Stretching done by someone who knows what they're doing feels incredible after a long run!

24) Compression pants/shin-sleeves look and feel crazy, but wow do they help to avoid pain and muscle soreness during a long, long run.

23) Raisins and spinach. Apparently they help relieve soreness. There must be an Indian curry recipe out there with these two ingredients! I'm still looking for it.

22) A friend who is not afraid to make a fool of herself driving through all of Manhattan and Brooklyn honking, shouting and singing to entertain you while you run...well if you've never experienced this, you should add it to your bucket list.

21) If said friend has a cooler full of Gatorade, a massive bag of potato chips and another bag full of all kinds of other goodies and snacks in the trunk of her car, giving you a portable, customized fuel stop, why would you ever want to run a race that you didn't organize with your friends again?

20) Speaking of organizing your own race, a benefit of such is that you can make the starting point wherever you want it to be, even your own front door. Just don't forget to also plan the finish point...refer back to #28.

19) Marshmallows apparently give you instant energy.

18) Considering that the fastest long distance runner I know personally (and I'm talking winner of a 50 mile race) is the one that taught me that Marshmallows is great for running fuel, I have now decided that all specialty running foods sold to amateurs like me is a gimmick and I will now buy whatever I want to fuel my run. Jelly beans, potato chips & snicker bars anyone?

17) Sometimes it's good to try new things. Other times it's good to stick with what you already know you like. (Refer to previous blog post on Frito pie.) Spinach and feta cheese omelet is still my all time favorite post-run meal.

16) What

15) was

14) I

13) thinking?

12) There are some really great advantages to modern technology. For example, the ability for all your friends who cannot be with you in person to text, twitter, facebook, email or call non-stop with their encouragements.

11) I so need a Garmin!

10) I love my friend, Roxanne. She is predictably unpredictable.

9) Natalie will put my mapping skills to shame, always has a spare friend to bring along if you don't have enough of your own and knows all the best, funnest races and runners. In my head, Natalie is my cross-country road trip buddy.

8) Wendy got me into running. Thanks Wendy. No, I really mean it. She knows I mean it. ;-)

7) Stephanie is a great coach! She had the perfect thing to give me, be it marshmallows, Excedrin, 5-hour energy or Nuun, whenever I needed it. She also knew when to get me to pick up the pace and when it was time to take a break. If you need a great fitness coach, Stephanie is your gal! Oh and I loved her egg whites with cheese!

6) Michelle, Michelle...what would I do without my friend Michelle? Ever meet someone who is just so dam "happy" all the time that you want to punch them? I NEVER want to punch Michelle.

5) My friend Jill is still my favorite person to drink beer with. I also don't know a person more generous than she is. Thanks for the shoes! ;-)

4) My niece is a born runner. She just doesn't know it yet.

3) Sometimes people do exactly what you expect of them and it is great. Other times they surprise you and that is even better. Sometimes you surprise yourself. And that is freaking awesome!

2) Vodka heals all aches and pains. Actually I'm pretty sure I already knew this!

1) If you are going to run your years in miles, be sure to do it with a group of rocking friends! Thanks Wendy, Jill, Natalie, Michelle, Stephanie, Aliyah, Roxanne and all my friends online! You made the experience memorable! See, I'm still writing about it 3 months later.

Comments

[jill]

great list! brought back so many memories of a fantastic day. and some really good pointers for anyone planning on doing this...i'm pretty sure i am not one of them. i think i'm more a Pacer than an Ultra-er. know your limits, be happy, & drink beer. that's me.

[Stephanie]

Loved the list..definitely did bring fun memories. ;-) Gotta plan another race, run, something..;-)