There Had to Be a Better Way

That’s what the founder, Graham Henshaw of PaceTat said which ultimately led to the brilliant invention of what is known as PaceTat.  Runners that have been training hard to reach a goal time for their marathon can’t do without one of these.

 

As the name implies, PaceTat is a removable tattoo that helps to keep marathon runners on pace during the marathon so that they can finish within their goal time. PaceTat (as pictured)  measures 1-1/2″ wide by 6-1/4″ long gets tattooed to the underside of your forearm.  The removable tattoo is made with 100% FDA approved ingredients, so should be safe for your skin.  PaceTat has made it easier than ever to keep check on your times during the race.  And it gives both mile splits as well as kilometer splits.  Need this kind of guidance for a half marathon?  Just cut it in half.

 

There’s no issue about the comfort as it’s part of your skin.  Easy to take off with baby oil or rubbing alcohol after your marathon, but will easily last for a few days on your arm just in case you are thinking about back to back marathons.

 

It’s my goal to one day qualify to run the Boston Marathon.  It will take discipline and training on my part, but I will definitely be sporting a PaceTat as part of my running kit in my attempt to reach my goal.

Tapering Strategy for the Victoria Marathon

Well, the big race day is clearly in sight now. On October 12, 2008 I will be running my second marathon of 2008. After 4 years without running any marathon, I must have been clearly mad when I agreed to a second marathon this year almost immediately after finishing the Vancouver Marathon.

With one month left before the marathon, we are running our last long-distance run tomorrow morning. I hope to complete a 3 hour and 45 minute run at least, and hopefully a bit longer. Weather’s looking great for our run and our route is mapped out.

With one month in my marathon training, what is my strategy?

Well, as I mentioned above our longest run will be taking place a month before. Typically, I like to do my longest run 3 weeks in advance to the marathon, but we were lucky enough to have a half marathon happening right in our own community - The Peace Arch Rotary Half Marathon in White Rock, BC which is taking place 3 weeks before the marathon. Needless to say, we’re in and will be racing next weekend. The half marathon will not only give me a chance to get some running in at race pace, but also allow me to have a race day rehearsal.

After the half marathon, the taper will begin. I will allow myself more rest if needed - keep my easy runs - easy. I feel that this is the time to take a couple days in a row off to get my body feeling strong again and get rid of any feelings of tiredness or exhaustion.

Figure out what I might like to wear on race day and take it for a test drive/run. I’m very comfortable with my tried and true running apparel that I will be sporting on marathon morning. However, I did just just purchase some brand new running shoes from Roadrunner Sports. Delivery will be in about 5 days - too late to try out on my long distance runs, but I will still have a couple of two hour runs in my marathon training which should give me a good indication of how they will feel. I would have liked to have had the runners sooner, but, call me cheap, but I was holding off for a sale. Which, by the way I got and saved over $30 on my new Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 10 s plus free shipping. If you are in need of new runner I suggest that you check it out at: Free Shipping and 15%off on all purchases through 12/13/2008 at Roadrunner Sports

On the final week before the marathon the things that I will be keeping check on is sleep, proper diet, stretching and drinking lots of water. Oh ya, very limited alcohol consumption. I do love my wine, but there isn’t alot of give in a marathon and I find that I need all my body has to give. The wine will be saved for the post-race celebrations!

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