So last time we talked a little bit about how I trained for my first ever half marathon. Now let’s talk hotels, packing, food, etc.
Grandma's Marathon is located in Duluth, MN and it is probably one of the biggest events they have. (Don't quote me on this, but still its big!) As a result, the lodging fills up quickly. This year was our second year at Grandma's and have booked at the Radisson Hotel for the past 2 years. The hotel is in a good location and is on the corner of mile 24, I believe. It is about a 10–15-minute walk from the finish line and about the same distance to bus pick up. We have heard stories of people staying down in Canal Park and how they can’t get their cars out of the parking lot at any point during the race. This would be a problem for us as we like to drive up the hill and eat at Olive Garden or Tavern on the Hill.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Duluth for Grandma's book sooner rather than later. They fill up fast!
We were signed up for the Great Grandma's Challenge which included the 5k on Friday and the Half or Full on Saturday. With this you got an extra metal and sweatshirt, which we thought was a pretty good add on.
Packing for Grandma's, well let’s just say I probably over packed! So, it was very important that I had ran in my shirt and shorts beforehand. I needed to make sure that none of my clothes rubbed and that they all fit the way I wanted them too. 13.1 miles is no joke, you want to feel comfortable in your clothing choices. Then, I also packed several other running outfits, just in case. (Probably didn't need the 5 other shirts and shorts, but I decided it was better to be over prepared than under prepared.) We also had to prepare for weather this year. The forecast stated that it was supposed to rain the entire weekend. So, we packed rain gear.
Rain gear included:
- rain coats
- rain ponchos to bring to the start line
- hand warmers
Also, if you are running the half marathon you cannot bring your drop bag to the start line. Your drop bag is something you can put a change of clothes, different shoes, raincoat, etc. into so when you get to the finish line you can change. Because you can't bring your drop bag to the start of the half; whatever you are wearing you either have to ditch (it gets donated) or you have to wear/ carry the entire race. You have to be on the bus from 4:30- 5:00 AM for the half and it is very chilly in the morning. So, we (my mom and I ran the half together) actually bought robes from Goodwill and wore them to the start line. We did get a lot of looks, but we sure did stay warm which was great. We ditched the robes at the start. This is where most people for the half ditch all their warm clothes.
Drop bag included:
- Crocs
- rain coat
- jacket
- new socks (though with the rain I didn’t put these back on)
- sweat pants
A lot of people had problems with getting their drop bags back after the race this year because of the rain. It melted away the sticker with the runner’s number on it. So, next year we will either cover the sticker with clear tape or write on the bag with permanent marker. I also would do a full change of clothes in my drop bag as they have a changing station. This was something I regretted.
Overall packing for race day:
- running outfit (shorts and shirt) x2 because we also walk/ran the 5k the night before
- running shoes and a backup pair
- running socks
- running hat
- fanny pack or running belt
- headphones (I use Beats, my mom and Dr. Nik run in Shokz)
- sunglasses (did not need these this year)
- Glide sticks (very worth it)
- Robes
- Rain coat
I'm sure there was more and a lot of extra things, but these were the essentials for race day. Let me know if I forgot anything that you deem essential for race day!
Of course it is the trend to take a "flat me" picture where you layout all of you clothes, bib number (usually already pinned so you don't have to mess with it in the morning) shoes, hat, socks, electrolytes (LMNT), and other race essentials for the next morning. See pictured above my flat me for the day!
Let’s talk food.
For race weekend we packed a decent amount of food. We had already tested early morning runs and what worked best for us. This is something that you as a runner need to test for yourself. Everyone is different and everyone's body respond differently. This is not medical advice this is for educational purposes only.
After the 5k on Friday there is a spaghetti feed that you can buy tickets for. We have not been to this yet and have opted to instead go to Olive Garden up the hill as I mentioned in my last blog post. I think next year we might try to do the spaghetti feed, but we will see.
For the morning of the race, we wanted something that could be quick and easy, but still give us some substance to run. We brought bagels, avocados, and cream cheese. This was a great pre-race breakfast for us. We also had bananas and other snacks to keep us going.
There are water stations throughout the course and during the race there will be people out there that give out all kinds of things. from bananas to other fruits, pickles, and even beer. We made sure to stop at them all because why not. It was about having the full experience.
After races usually you get things like chips, bananas, granola bars, etc. We were actually really disappointed in the food post-race. They had strange off brand chips that were pretty gross if I'm being honest. So, that was disappointing.
I think that is about it for information on lodging, packing, and food for the weekend at Grandma's this year.
Next time I will talk with you about race day and all it entailed!
Until then,
~ Dr. Taylor
Dr. Taylor Gregg
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