Prepping for my first 24 hour race

[SheFly]

Agree with CC - check the rules on the music issue. You wouldn't want to be penalized or DQ'd (which does happen at races here...) if you do this.

I think your adrenaline will keep you going (at least that's what I've heard), and with the atmosphere going, you won't get much sleep anyway .

Good luck. Can't wait to read about it!

SheFly

[limewave]

I've helped at a few 24 hour events. There's a lot of excitement going on all night. It seems to me the biggest challenge would be staying hydrated and fueled so that you don't get messed up. DH had a friend who refused to eat at one point during an endurance race (he's normally crazy, not just during races) and he bonked really hard and started eating pine cones! But don't worry, that won't happen to you. Like I said, this guy was crazy to start with.

DH always did well with those events. Its all about pacing yourself.

[Aggie_Ama]

No 24 hour races for me but super cool you are doing one! You will write up on it, right?

Some of the people I know do these type of events. I have heard them swear by cold pizza, not sure how you justify this as proper nutrition! One of our wrenches only does the ultra long races (12,24 hour), he said his key is changing clothes. I guess fresh chamois = fresh attitude? I am sure for enough money a massage therapist would come out. Other than that all I can wish you is luck and the insanity keeps you laughing!

[indysteel]

I have no advice, Jeni; I just wanted to say good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[jessmarimba]

I'll vote yes to changing clothes and yes to cold pizza

Definitely eat as much as you are able (not that you don't already know that!) - I had finished a whole plate of pancakes and then ended up running one more lap for my last 24-hour race. I was so hungry that I started surveying the trail for anything edible...thankfully I didn't think of pinecones

Someone met me at the finish with a Krispy Kreme and pretty much made my day.

Also...for the evening after the race, make sure you won't need to put effort into dinner (order in, microwave, make someone drive you somewhere...) I ended up calling my sister and asking her to bring me food because I was too tired and had no groceries.

[Drtgirl]

I just did my 2nd 24hr solo in May (and won!). I have an adventure racing background and I think that helps when slogging through the nighttime hours...we do a lot of things to stay awake! My tips:

-I would veto the headphones...they are banned from races out here for good reason.
-Find someone to ride with at night. Talking with or simply following behind someone keeps you engaged. I was dragging until I found an injured guy who just happend to be my pace. We chatted and complained about how bad we felt. I was on a total high after that.
-Are you a gum chewer? I find it helps. Try a super sour or strong flavor to perk you up. Your jaw will be tired by the end of the race though!
-Shake up your food selection on each lap. Like, don't eat the same flavor gu the whole race.

I didn't sleep in my last race...I just sat down for 20 minutes around midnight. So it can be done. Yes, you may break down and cry but it happens!

Good luck!

[Catrin]

I have no constructive advice to give you - but I think you rock and will have a great time! Looking forward to reading about your experience!