So as part of my training for the Brighton Marathon I have my first proper race this Sunday, the Portsmouth Coastal Half Marathon raising money for the RNLI.
For 13.2miles or around 2-2.5 hours, I’m going to need some inspiration for my iPod playlist, so please, if you have a great suggestion, leave a comment below or email me by clicking here.
In order to look smart, I’ve gone and got some new kit ready for the race and tried it out today. Aside from the worrying fact that my legs are still tight from Sunday’s 15 miler, I can conclude the following.
1. New Adidas running shirt – absolutely fine, no problems at all – made with Climalite materials to cool you down.
2. New Asics GT 2150 trainers – these have inbuilt support to stop by ankles from turning when I run. My old trainers (GT 2140) did a good 550 miles and its around this point the support tends to go… a return to turning in the old trainers could be the cause of my leg ache this week. The GT2150 are simply the new generation GT2140s so there was not much difference. the
3. Given it’ll probably be cold at the weekend by sea, I decided to invest in a new base layer by Skins. Despite getting a large size, I almost felt like I was being asphyxiated. I’ll probably revert to my old Adidas one to keep warm (which, despite being a medium, is much more comfortable).
4. New New Balance shorts. Again fine, although they bunch a little around the privates which could lead to chafing. Extra vaseline or old shorts could be in order.
Finally I also tried a carb gel for the first time. These are supposed to give you energy as you go but as you have to drink half a litre of water with them, you still end up running with a bottle. I think I’ll stick to a bottle of Lucazade Sport when I run Sunday. They tasted bloody awful anyway, so I’m not too fussed with not using them.
Click here for a Google Map and full details of the day’s run
Miles today: 3
Target: 459
Miles to date: 587.32
Want to dedicate a run to someone or have one dedicated to you? Click here
3 comments
Steve Swift says:
February 20, 2010 at 00:12 (UTC 1)
Go gels are my favourite – an instant carb hit.
Anything by New Order (Technique/Republic albums) and you’ll whizz round Brighton in no time.
Most of all – enjoy it. Races are a fantastic experience, especially the first. My first was the GNR but I forgot to enjoy it and concentrated too much on finishing – and then it was over.
Good luck, I’m sure you’llbe fine.
ps – still places available for the Leeds half on May 9.
David says:
February 20, 2010 at 18:18 (UTC 1)
James good luck fella
Download – I like to Move It Move It – Its Amelies favourite slice of Euro house.
Blur Live version of Girls and Boys will get you in the upbeat mood and maybe some Fatboy Slim live on the beach
There will be plenty of water and lucazade stations during the race – I use most of them but don’t take on board too much
Enjoy it
Johan says:
February 21, 2010 at 08:49 (UTC 1)
Hi James,
I know the entirealbum turns out to be a global success but Black Eyed Peas works well for me. “One Tribe” or “Alive” being my favorite and most inspiring.
Hope you’ll get htis message in time.
Good luck for Today!
Johan