I’m back from a summer off and excited to get back to the blog. I plan to write an update each Tuesday. My goal is to bring you along through my weekly blogging on my discovery and planning for an upcoming Antarctica Marathon on March 2015.
I will share the latest medical findings, trends and marathon running tips on this blog each week as I look for the best ways to stay wholly fit at 50, stay motivated and set interesting strategic goals.
Through this blog, you will get a glimpse at my planning for this marathon and how I balance work life as an Orthopedic Surgeon with home life. My wife and I are new to the empty nest, but our house isn’t empty or particularly quiet!
My Home Life
I want to take you on a brief tour of my life at home and share with you a little information on my loving family. If I don’t mention these animals, my wife will kill me:
We have 3 dogs and two cats. Slim is a 5 year old all white English Bulldog rescued 6 months ago from Indiana Bulldog Rescue. Meatball is an 8 year old Pug who celebrates his birthday on Halloween. Giblet is an 11 year old gorgeous tiny Boston Terrier who came with her name.
Sissy is an ancient Tabby cat we’ve had for 18 years who remains happy and healthy regardless of all the animals we parade through our house. Leonard is a striking orange 3 year old male cat rescued from the Humane Society of Indianapolis. He’s declawed but still manages to get outside and kill many mice throughout the day, which gives my wife fits.
My creative wife Sue (Susie to me) is a busy, busy woman. She buries herself in ideas and countless creative projects. We have two sons in college who still want (gratefully) and need (even if they don’t know it) our advice and involvement in their lives.
Below is what has traditionally been my go-to list of marathon essentials. The list was recently published in The Republic Newspaper of Columbus Indiana. Can you imagine how this list will change for my race in Antarctica? I’m not completely sure yet, but scopolamine patches for sea sickness are a given.
Race Day Essentials
Whether you are at home the night before the race or unpacking in a hotel far from home, every runner has forgotten something they need for their big run. Here’s a checklist of essential race supplies to avoid any pitfalls before the big race.
My essential race day items:
- Running shoes
- Running socks and an extra pair for after the race
- Identification and directions to race number pick up
- Running outfit
- Sunscreen
- Safety pin for bib
- Gloves if cold
- Throw-away long-sleeve t-shirt and sweatpants so that you can warm up at the start of the race and then throw away once you warm up
- Body Glide or Vaseline to prevent chafing
- Big plastic garbage bag to sit on or wear if it’s raining
- Race number
- Timing chip
- Running belt to hold race fuels
- Band-Aids
- Food you usually eat for breakfast before running and a power bar while waiting for the race to begin