Equipment, equipo, equipage, accoutrement. Don't go trying to cross time and space with just a breakfast bar.
I knew that while I was running my half marathon, I would need to manage my energy level to make sure I could go the distance. So, Michael and I stopped at a 24-hour McDonald's at 4:20 am to get breakfast.
Well. Some of you may know that at 4:20 am, McDonald's is not serving breakfast. They're serving their all-night menu, which consists of 3 things, one of which is a QuarterPounder.™ I did not know this, because I am old, and I very seldom visit Mickey D's at 4:20 a.m. Anymore. So, anyway, we decided that we needed some time to digest this meal before running 13.1 miles, so we went ahead and bought a couple of QuarterPounders.™
Along the route, we drank what they provided at the water stations, which was both water and some kind of energy drink. Energy drinks are usually pretty acidic, but they provide important fuel, carbohydrates, which your body can draw on as you run. And then there are the energy gels, which are also hard on your stomach. I started to worry a little bit.
However! I had packed two Pepcid AC's™ in my little waist pack, because everybody needs a contingency plan!
Fortunately, I never needed to use them, because I was tuned into my body and switched over to just water as I noticed my stomach getting unhappy. A friend of mine who ran the full marathon, though, had a horrible time with his stomach, and ended up vomiting after crossing the finish line. So I was glad I had my contingency plan.
Before I left the house, I took 3 Extra-Strength Tylenols™ and 2 B-complex vitamin pills. I rubbed Aspercreme™ on my feet as a precaution. (Remember how unhappy my feet were.) At 11 miles, I shared a gel with Michael that we had brought in our packs.
If I had not equipped myself so well to take on this challenging task, I would not have faired as well, and perhaps would have failed. By packing the right equipment and supplies, I had a successful and fun event.
Are you equipped for the journey to your dream future? Do you have a thought-out contingency plan?
I want you to get there feeling good!