Roman Pit Stops

Well it is subject that we have all talked about during our training sessions and it is a real concern when participating in a marathon. My previous experiences in road races has given me the inside track (sorry for the pun) about that ever so personal subject. So, what do you do when nature calls and how do you prepare yourself for race day?

A lot of it is common sense and listening to your body. Here are some of my hints to enjoy your race.

• Know where the race course porta-johns are and don't hesitate to use them. Don't ever think you can wait for the next set of bathrooms.
• Bring along tissue and/or antibacterial wipes because with thousands of runners it will be your luck to get that one porta-john that has empty dispensers.
• Use the onsite facilities just before entering the corral for the marathon. Your bladder will thank you for it.
• No matter how tempting don't drink any coffee before the marathon, it works as a diuretic.
• Think twice before relieving yourself on yourself. No joke, many people I ran with in the New York marathon did just that. Remember you are wearing those clothes especially the socks for 26.2 miles and it can get very uncomfortable for you and the unfortunate people around you.
• Most public establishments will let you use their facilities during the marathon. Don't forget a thank you as you race out the door.

And by all means don't eat anything exotic or spicy the night before the marathon. Besides possibly interrupting your sleep pattern the last thing you need during those 26.2 miles are upset bowels. So eat smart!!

The marathon is only two weeks from Sunday so I hope you all are in your tapering stage. Do visit the Rome marathon website because they are constantly updating it with news regarding the expo and course. I did find out that Gatorade will be offered starting mid-race to the finish but no PowerGels. So make sure you pack your gels in your carryon along with your race outfit and info.

Also up to the time I leave with my family (March 20th) I will start posting various shopping hints and haunts of Rome. Plus a friend of mine who has previously run the Rome marathon will share her insights about the race, expo and the course.

Don't forget to check out my fitness tips at the nutritional website Self-
Size com. It is a great site and recently updated with information of Roman restaurants to visit during your stay in the Eternal City.

So stay tuned!!

Angela of Trevi