3 Days Until Grandma's Marathon!

>> Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Three possible outfits for Grandma’s this weekend. If you are watching the race, look for me in one of these 3 tops:

1. Tight blue top and grey shorts:



2. Grey top and grey shorts:



3. No top and no grey shorts:



I’ll go out with one of the shirts on. But, most likely, I’ll end up running the last half with my shirt off. The blue top is more “technical,” and the grey top is just cotton. But I’ve done the majority of my long runs in that cotton top, and it works well (once it’s taken off) as a face-sweat-wiper. So I don’t know what I’ll put on when it comes to race morning. But the grey shorts will be there fo shizzle.

Hey, let’s see that last image again. Allow me to highlight the three main areas that I’ll be lubing up real well this weekend:



1. Behind my armpits: I rubbed there a little on my last 17.5 miler.

2. My feet: I’ve lubed up those puppies on all of my 10+ mile runs for the past 2-3 months, and it helps A LOT. It keeps those small blister and hot-spots at bay.

3. My danger-zone: (AKA my man-region, my bishop, my Pink Floyd, my beef-bus, my coin slot, etc, etc.) I don’t want anything there to chafe off. I plan to use about half the stick of Body Glide down there. I’ll just smear it all in. Mostly in the butt-cheek territory.

Also, I’ve got my marathon plan nearly set in stone. I have specific, individual splits every mile. They start slow and build a little. When I first typed it up, I was going just by what I figured I could do. When I got done, it all added up to 3:04:25. And that’s under my biggest goal of breaking 3:10. (For how much I’ve talked about my projected finishing time, can you tell that I don’t believe in “jinxing” myself?) I plan to print out those splits, tape them to a wristband, and wear that one yellow wristband covered in splits during the race. I’ll be able to see where I’m at with respect to where I think I should be at every mile. (Oh, so if you’re a spectator at Grandma’s, you could probably find me pretty easily by looking for the one yellow wristband that has 27 times printed out and taped to it. Oh, and I will be wearing my contacts, not my glasses.)

Here’s the kicker: IF I’m having a great day, I MIGHT be able to take an extra 10 seconds off each mile (and the last 0.2). That would make my finishing time a remarkable 2:59:55. In case you’re dense, that’s sub 3:00. If only...

39 comments:

CoachLiz 7:22 AM, June 18, 2008  

Here is my call:

Go with the Blue top. Not only will you stand out in the crowd, but it is good moisture management. NO COTTON. If you need a sweat wipe, crack out those yellow terry wrist bands you wore to the 80's party.

Chaffing--NO COTTON underware!!! Are you going to wear some tri shorts under the grey shorts to keep things in place and help with moisture management? Also consider using Bag Balm or Butt Butter that has a different consistancy than the Body Glide stick and may be easier to apply.

Splits Band: Using clear packing tape to lamanate your wrist band with your splits will keep it sweat free.

Whoo Hoo!!! You are going to do awesome! Is Pharmie running or cheering???

Bill Carter 7:30 AM, June 18, 2008  

Best of luck Steve. Just make sure you don't go out too fast. 26.2 is always farther than you think.

You will do great.

Boston next year??

nwgdc 8:04 AM, June 18, 2008  

best of luck, steve! i'll be watching for you! i hope to win the award of goofiest spectator, so hopefully we see eachother...although with those speedy splits you'll be ahead of ellie by quite a bit. i'm getting excited!!

Tea 8:07 AM, June 18, 2008  

Good Luck!

btw-my husband swears by bag balm for the ABC area (a$$ balls connection) in case you wanna try it in the future.

:) 8:35 AM, June 18, 2008  

"Beef Bus"

Bwahahahaaaa!



Dude...if you qualify for Boston, I am going to kick your ass. /jealousy off/

Ms Eva 8:47 AM, June 18, 2008  

I also vote for the blue... easier to find you in the crowd.

"Beef Bus" - I hadn't heard that one before. Oh My! LOL!

Wishing you all the best... Start Slowly. Finish Strongly. :D

ShirleyPerly 8:56 AM, June 18, 2008  

Well, those long baggy shorts are a surprise to me. Hope they're not cotton!

a.maria 8:57 AM, June 18, 2008  

good luck, steve! you're gunna kick grandma's ASS!!!

i'll just reiterate what bill said and say 26.2 is ALWAYS a lot further than you think it'll be.

run speedy.. but SMART! :)

the Dread Pirate Rackham 9:19 AM, June 18, 2008  

coin slot was a new one for me.

I figure with enough lube, you'll just be so slippery you'll go faster. Yeah, that's the ticket!

I agree - no cotton. Cotton's bad, mkay?

Kim 9:21 AM, June 18, 2008  

go go go! kick some gramma ass, qualify for boston so you can come here and we can party!!!

Unknown 9:28 AM, June 18, 2008  

Cotton huh? Ouch - do you at least put nipple band-aids on because I cringe everytime I see a dude with bleeding nipples! i vote for the blue top!

Best of luck - just take one mile at a time. You mind might start playing tricks on you if you think too much about it all during the race. Also, I second the clear tape idea! Works well!

Best of luck to you and Pharmie. Can't wait to hear how you both do!

Sara 9:29 AM, June 18, 2008  

Good luck this weekend. Sounds like you are right on track to have an awesome day.

I say wear what got you there.....if you wore the grey shirt durning training then it "deserves" to take you to the race!

The Sm'allards 9:31 AM, June 18, 2008  

Am I the only one who is taken aback by the fact that your facial expression is EXACTLY the same in every photo? Interesting. I vote blue shirt.

Kick Grandma's ass this weekend. Well, not literally of course...

Kevin 9:41 AM, June 18, 2008  

Id say go with the blue.

Good luck. I am sure youll have a great race

Marcy 10:06 AM, June 18, 2008  

I'm going with the no shirt look. I mean come on, who doesn't like boobage? Especially hairy boobage!

Marcy 10:07 AM, June 18, 2008  

AND GOOD LUCK!!! You are so going to kick Grandma's ass, fo sho!!

TRI TO BE FUNNY 10:35 AM, June 18, 2008  

I didn't know fast dudes wore cotton!! Take it off baby! Shirtless is the way!! Oh--and don't forget a rockin' headband...Between Grandma's and Ironman CDA, I'm not leaving my computer all day!

jen 11:01 AM, June 18, 2008  

Are you saying you would carry the gray shirt for the entire second half? That sounds like a pain to me! Then again, if you get sick of it, you could always toss it... it doesn't look too valuable. (If it is your lucky/special gray shirt, then I apologize.)

I don't remember if you said you plan on doing more marathons, but there's no doubt you can go way sub-3. If not this weekend, then next time.

Anonymous,  11:02 AM, June 18, 2008  

Be a rebel...wear the cotton ;)

It's almost here - good luck!!!

MissAllycat 11:27 AM, June 18, 2008  

I dig the blue.

LOL at tea's "ABC" comment. Oh dear... :)

Anonymous,  12:25 PM, June 18, 2008  

I'm all over your scientific approach. But the lube spots described in detail...TMI!

Best of luck!

J~Mom 1:46 PM, June 18, 2008  

I am really surprised by the long shorts. I thought your yellow shorts =speed. Hmmmm

KK 1:47 PM, June 18, 2008  

"my bishop" and "beef bus," LOVE it! (Where do you come up with this stuff?!)

Blue shirt all the way. Too much grey the other way-you're way too funny to be running in something so nondescript.

Good luck! I'll be pulling for you.

sRod 3:33 PM, June 18, 2008  

Repeating Coachliz's comment: no cotton!

It hurts man, it really does. I speak from experience.

Jess 4:02 PM, June 18, 2008  

Good luck! Can't wait to hear the report afterward!

E-Speed 5:25 PM, June 18, 2008  

I cannot believe you are going to attempt sub 3 in basketball shorts. seriously. Good luck man, you are going to rock it no matter what you wear, although I think a pair of split shorts would guarantee to cut off at least 60 seconds ;)

IronMin 5:43 PM, June 18, 2008  

If we get to weigh in, I'm voting blue. You will be lost in the crowd in the grey. You want your pals to notice you as you blaze by like a gazelle.

Good choice on the lube locations. Lube is like money - you can never have enough.

Jade Lady 5:51 PM, June 18, 2008  

What's the temps look like for your race? I'm surprised to see the long shorts - i figured you in the short shorts for the marathon (perfectly acceptable for runners, remember?)

Here's to no chafing! Sounds like you've outlined your plan for anti-chafing and for your marathon!

I couldn't imagine doing a 3 somethin for a marathon finish, even in my wildest dreams. I know that when I get to mile 20, I no longer can add in my head...so the splits on a wristband is definitely a good idea...

Above all, have fun!

Anonymous,  6:07 PM, June 18, 2008  

I like option 1 with the blue shirt. Your shorts look really comfortable.

Good luck. You are going to do great. Can't wait to read all about it.

Dana 6:36 PM, June 18, 2008  

I agree w/ coachliz & you WILL totally rock Grandma!

Tri Mom 8:01 PM, June 18, 2008  

Hey Steve! It's been awhile, but I wanted to drop by and wish you an awesome marathon. You're going to rock!

I am coming up in July for Chisago. Staying with IronJenny. We'll all have to meet up!

Take care, and burn rubber out there. ...and go with the blue top for sure!

Brian 9:30 PM, June 18, 2008  

don't those long shorts bug you? Hard choice between the 2 shirts. #1 makes your boobs look big. And #2 is cotton. Booo cotton. Something in the middle I'd say.

Those tall cotton socks rock. Gotta get some of those in wicking for your race.

RunBubbaRun 11:42 PM, June 18, 2008  

Good luck this weekend. Dang, Maybe a sub 3 hour marathon.. You go BRO..

Umm, loose the baggy shorts, go with tights.. To much chafing..

Ahh cotton shirt and nips, that's going to be bloody, hope you grease those up as well..

Michelle 5:32 AM, June 19, 2008  

I don't know, man....those shorts are so basketball-like!

I'm excited for you. I see good things on the horizon! Good luck.

Calyx Meredith 6:39 AM, June 19, 2008  

Thanks for the nice comment on my blog about the brick. It means a lot coming from a speedster like you. (Your full marathon goal time is my half marathon dream!) Good luck at Grandma's! (Oh and the blue top, definitely.)

duchossois 6:39 AM, June 19, 2008  

Have a great race!
Colleen said it...I'll reinforce it...unless you go shirtless, lube or tape those nipples. If you don't, when that soap and water hit those nipples in the shower after the race, you will bitch-scream like a school girl. Or so they say.

Erin 11:00 AM, June 19, 2008  

Keep the shorts, skip the cotton...and have a GREAT race! Good luck!!!

Triteacher 12:03 PM, June 19, 2008  

Yahoo! You are so ready to rock this race. You have definitely thought of everything!

P.O.M. 6:00 PM, June 19, 2008  

Have a fantastic race! And I hope your man-bits stay in tact.

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