Additional Articles (click link)
• 10 Simple Ways to Avoid Injuries
• Hydration During Training
• Ethiopian Marathon Hydration Tips
• Marathon Pace Chart (pdf)
• Overcoming Obstacles
• Going Long
• Surviving an International Flight
• Race Week Nutrition
• Marathon Morning Tips
• Running Checklist
• Walking the Marathon
Running Checklist
One of the best aspects of marathoning is the travel. Runners love to travel to races as we get to see the world from close up. And that is exemplified in the Haile Gebreselassie Marathon in Ethiopia where runners will have the opportunity to compete in a very different, unique place. Which is the beauty of it. But the runners who do the best in the HG Marathon will be the best prepared. Here are some practical tips for your pre-trip checklist:
Enter early. The Haile Gebreselassie Marathon is on October 20, 2013. I suggest you enter as early as possible because the field will fill up quickly and reach its cap. To make certain you can get in, enter as soon as you decide to go run this first-time event. Save your race confirmation and bring it with you.
Make flight reservations to Ethiopia as soon as possible. Although hotel accommodations and ground transportation in Ethiopia will be covered, flights to and from Addis Ababa—the capital of Ethiopia—fill up quickly. The sooner you can get a confirmed flight reservation, the better to lock in prices and airlines seats.
Confirm all reservations before leaving. You don’t want to leave anything to chance. Write your flight, hotel and race reservations and confirmation numbers down so there will be no doubt when you arrive.
Check the weather forecasts. Pack whatever necessary running clothes that will suit the weather. Temperatures in Hawassa should be mild and comfortable so warm clothes won’t be needed.
Carry it on. Any race clothes, shoes and confirmation number should be carried right onto the plane. That way even if your luggage gets lost, you’ll still have what you need to run the race. It’s also a good idea to bring a squeeze bottle of water or sports drink onto the plane with you to minimize dehydration.
Documents. Since you will be traveling to Ethiopia, gather all the necessary passports and visas you will need. Make absolutely certain your passport is up to date.
Read up. Before you leave for Ethiopia, it’s a great idea to read all you can about the attractions, historical sites and restaurants that the country has to offer. The more informed you are, the better you can enjoy the charms and unique appeal of Ethiopia.
Time change. If you are traveling to Ethiopia from the United States, you can adjust gradually to the time change (six or seven hours) it in the week before you leave by making small changes in your sleep and running schedule. If the race begins exceptionally early or late to what you’re accustomed to, try running at that time at least a few times before you leave.