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8 Replies Last post: May 1, 2006 4:19 PM by PerfesserR  
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miles99999064
50 posts since
Jun 27, 2002
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May 1, 2006 2:24 PM

Marathon Travel Conundrum

I am running the Pocono Marathon (it is in eastern Pennsylvania) on Sunday, May 7th. I have trained reasonably well for it and up until about four days ago felt like I could post a great time for me (under 3:45).

The problem? I just found out that I have to go to Phoenix, AZ for a business trip on Thursday May 4th through Saturday May 6th (I live in Doylestown, PA). My question is does anyone have any advice as to how I can best prepare myself for the Sunday marathon after a 5 hour plane ride from two/three time zones away I am taking on Saturday? I am stressing a little because I have a very bad feeling that I am going to be exhausted for the 8am start of the marathon on Sunday.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
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PerfesserR
157 posts since
Sep 7, 2005
1. May 1, 2006 2:39 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
Just relax, stay well hydrated on the flight (bring your own water) and you should be fine. After all, it's basically a day of rest, which is what you need. Have a nice book, or Marathon&Beyond, or some other good reading material.
The thing to do is go to bed early and get up early in Phoenix, IOW keep your body on Eastern Time, don't adjust to Mountain time.
I flew 9 hours the day before the Honolulu Marathon, and just made sure I got to bed early and stayed hydrated and relaxed. It really wasn't a problem.
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miles99999064
50 posts since
Jun 27, 2002
2. May 1, 2006 2:41 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
Thanks for the advice. Hydration is the key I guess. At the least it will keep me off my feet for a couple of hours, right?

Thanks again!
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S Agsten
134 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. May 1, 2006 3:02 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
Make sure you get enough sleep on Friday night and don't stress about Sat. night sleep. I agree with keeping your body on the Eastern time zone which should be easy given that you're travelling west. Don't stand around too much in the airport!
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hazelrah
154 posts since
May 12, 2001
4. May 1, 2006 3:08 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
Can you contact the race and get your packet picked up early to avoid that hassle/worry Saturday or Sunday morning ? That is, what if you return flight is delayed and you get in late ? I agree with above post, try not to adjust to west coast time when your are out there, keep your body clock on EST as much as possible (go to bed early).
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miles99999064
50 posts since
Jun 27, 2002
5. May 1, 2006 3:22 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
As for getting the race packet early, I contacted the race and they aren't going to be able to help me out in getting it early. This is all part of the problem, I am going to have to pick up my race packet on race day, by 6am Sunday morning. That translates to my having to leave my house by 4:30am on Sunday morning to make it to the registration site in time to register.

The smart thing would have been to decline to go on the business trip, eh? Then again, making a decent living and supporting my family does take precedence I guess.

Thanks everyone for your advice!
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CliffD
40 posts since
Nov 18, 2004
6. May 1, 2006 4:11 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
In my experience, I have never slept well the night before a marathon. But, it always makes a big difference if I can get a really good night's sleep on the Friday night before a Sunday race. Just be sure to get lots of rest that Friday night while in Phoenix. It wouldn't hurt to get up and stretch your legs on the plane a few times also. I always like to sneak to the back and stretch a little. Rest is good, but you don't want your legs to get too tight either.

Good luck on Sunday. Run well.
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CliffD
40 posts since
Nov 18, 2004
7. May 1, 2006 4:12 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
In my experience, I have never slept well the night before a marathon. But, it always makes a big difference if I can get a really good night's sleep on the Friday night before a Sunday race. Just be sure to get lots of rest that Friday night while in Phoenix. It wouldn't hurt to get up and stretch your legs on the plane a few times also. I always like to sneak to the back and stretch a little. Rest is good, but you don't want your legs to get too tight either.

Good luck on Sunday. Run well.
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PerfesserR
157 posts since
Sep 7, 2005
8. May 1, 2006 4:19 PM in response to: miles99999064
Re: Marathon Travel Conundrum
quote:<HR>Originally posted by miles99999:

...
The smart thing would have been to decline to go on the business trip, eh? Then again, making a decent living and supporting my family does take precedence I guess.
...<HR>

Get your priorities straight, man!
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