"During the first half of the marathon you're afraid you're going to die, and during the second half you're afraid you're going to live."

 Really?  You think they'll let you walk out carrying four beers?

Sort of what I was wondering.

Having the flu sucks - It is all the crappiness of being hung-over without the party.

 

Thinking the worst is over - Now if I can just find me a 1/2 pound greasy cheeseburger.

Seems like getting sick is a pre-race regimin for you. I read on the interweb that it is contra-indicated for improving performances.

Maybe I have not drunk enough beer lately?

Also found on or posted to the Interweb: Alcohol kills germs, right?

Heh.

MPORTANT MESSAGE FROM GRANDMA’S MARATHON MEDICAL DIRECTOR, BEN NELSON, MD:

We are excited to welcome you to Duluth for this weekend’s races and events.

With less than 48 hours until the start of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Grandma’s Marathon, I wanted to take this opportunity to pass along some important information related to Saturday’s potential weather.

If the current forecast prediction holds true, we could possibly experience red flag conditions during portions of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and/or Grandma’s Marathon. The latest predictions call for starting time temperatures in the upper 50s rising to low 70s by early afternoon. The temperatures alone are not an alarming cause for concern, but when combined with the expected high humidity levels it would feel much warmer. In the event red flag conditions are present we strongly encourage you to exercise these precautions:

*Slow your pace
*Do not have any expectations of this being a personal record day – there will be other races!
*Rest periodically if needed
*Do not over extend yourself
*Listen to your body
*Make sure you take in adequate fluids on the course

We understand and realize how hard you’ve trained to prepare yourself for this race, but putting yourself at risk is simply not worth it. There will be other races!

Also, the Saturday morning forecast calls for a possibility of thunderstorms before and/or during the half and full marathon races.

All of the races and events are on schedule as planned, but should weather impact any of the weekend events, we will be sure to notify you via email and through our website – www.GrandmasMarathon.com. 

Please review the information below – this is also included in your race packets, but I wanted to distribute this to you with as much notice as possible:

Proper hydration before and during the race is critical to the completion of a safe race. Consumption of both too much and too little fluid can lead to serious illness. It is important to come to the race adequately pre-hydrated. You may use urine color as a measure of hydration. Before the race, your urine should have only a slight yellow hue, resembling lemonade, not totally clear like water, not dark like apple juice. General guidelines for fluid consumption during the race include always drinking when thirsty, and never forcing yourself to drink.

Running in heat and humidity can be dangerous. It is very important to remain properly-hydrated. Be conscious of symptoms of dehydration and heat illness including lightheadedness, confusion, undue exhaustion, and decreased sweat production. In warm conditions you may need to reconsider pacing and finishing-time goals to decrease heat production and protect yourself from heat-related illness.

Grandma’s Marathon uses the American College of Sports Medicine’s color-coded flag system. Familiarize yourself with the flag colors which are posted at the starting lines and before every water station:
BLACK FLAG (Extremely High Risk): All runners should slow their pace, drink extra fluids and those with previous heat-stress problems or heart disease should consider not running.
RED FLAG (High Risk): All runners should slow their pace and those with previous heat stress problems or heart disease should consider not running.
YELLOW FLAG (Moderate Risk): Heat stress is less, but one must be cautious as the level of stress will most likely increase during a morning race.
GREEN FLAG (Low Risk): Risk is low, but once again runners should be careful of symptoms of heat stress. Runners also need to be cautious of changing weather conditions.
WHITE FLAG (Risk of Hypothermia): The risk of hypothermia exists, especially in slow runners or in wet and windy conditions.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the primary cause of marathon-associated death. Grandma’s Marathon has automated external defibrillators and trained responders located at each mile along the racecourse.

Medical assistance is available at the medical tent in the Finish Line Area until 2:45 p.m. Only runners in need of medical assistance will be allowed entrance into the medical tent. Please fill out the back portion of your race bib with your pertinent medical information. This is very important should the need for care arise during the race. Emergency Room service at local hospitals is available for those needing medical assistance after 2:45 p.m.

Grandma’s Marathon uses the American College of Sports Medicine’s color-coded flag system. Familiarize yourself with the flag colors which are posted at the starting lines and before every water station:
BLACK FLAG (Extremely High Risk): All runners should slow their pace, drink extra fluids and those with previous heat-stress problems or heart disease should consider not running.
RED FLAG (High Risk): All runners should slow their pace and those with previous heat stress problems or heart disease should consider not running.
YELLOW FLAG (Moderate Risk): Heat stress is less, but one must be cautious as the level of stress will most likely increase during a morning race.
GREEN FLAG (Low Risk): Risk is low, but once again runners should be careful of symptoms of heat stress. Runners also need to be cautious of changing weather conditions.
WHITE FLAG (Risk of Hypothermia): The risk of hypothermia exists, especially in slow runners or in wet and windy conditions.

Apparently this running thing is risky business, too hot, too cold, or waiting for it to get there.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM GRANDMA’S MARATHON MEDICAL DIRECTOR, BEN NELSON, MD:

I didn't get that message or see it outside of the swamp...so as of now.  I know nothing.  What important message?