Post-marathon welcome home?

[neeter]

Do you have any ideas on what to do for my DH after he runs a marathon on Sunday? Other than an ice pack, pasta and a nice cozy house? :)

We were going to go cheer him on, but 4-5 hours outside in the cold with a toddler while waiting would be pretty difficult. So I wanted to make DH's welcome home really nice. All suggestions appreciated!

[pb&j]

Water, ibuprofen, big bags of ice for ice bath (helps with post-race soreness), clean clothes, clean towels for shower, slippers, a place to put his feet up, and your and DC's smiling faces.:)


-Ry,
mom to Emma, stillborn 11/04/04
and Max, 01/05/06

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[oliviasmomma]

Lots of food--and not always the most healthy!! My MIL and BIL are triatheletes and are starved after a race!

[Wife_and_mommy]

No advice but send him a big congrats from us. :) What an accomplishment!



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[Moneypenny]

We have a friend who just finished his first iron man triathalon. His wife taught their 20-month old to say "Iron man daddy" so when he finished the race, that's what he was greeted with. In fact, he still gets called "iron man daddy". He loves it!

In addition to what others have suggested, maybe a banner or a homemade card that your DC has helped make? If it's chilly outside he may be very very cold so have a nice warm bath drawn and some hot coffee, cocoa or apple cider?

Congrats to him. I hope he does well!

Susan
mama to my cutie pie, Avery
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[neeter]

Fabulous ideas!!! Thanks so much!!

[MartiesMom2B]

Is he doing the Marine Corp marathon? I used to cheer on the runners when I was in highschool with the band. One day I'll run that race. Good luck to your DH.

-Sonia
Mommy to Martie
& Li'l Girl Bunny to come Feb. 2007
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[bubbaray]

I've done 4 marathons, DH has done 2 marathons, plus he's done an Ironman distance triathlon....

Is this his first? If not, disregard what I say below, b/c he probably will have his own post-race traditions. I'm usually starving about a hour later. DH eats so much during races that he's not hungry until the next day. Maybe have food available, but don't be too concerned if he's not hungry, its pretty normal. Ditto hot, sweet drinks. He'll likely have consumed so much gatorade that he might just not want anything. Also, the pasta (carbs) is for loading, which is done about 48hrs pre-race, not the night before (blech) and not post-race. He might have weird cravings post race -- just go with the flow!

Do NOT run him a warm or hot bath, even if the weather conditions on that day are frigid. Seriously, a cool or ice bath (as cold as he can stand) will be his best friend, particularly the next day. Once he spends a few minutes in a cool/cold bath, then he can take a warmer shower. [My DH is nodding his head over my shoulder on this one!]

Does he have Birkenstock sandals?? I highly suggest those post race. They have great arch support and feel really good (even worn with socks). If you can get those on his feet (with dry socks) right away after the race (even before getting into the car to come home), he will love you forever! ;) If he doesn't have Birks, his favorite sandals will do (though we both highly recommend Birks) -- he'll definitely want those running shoes off and his feet will likely be swollen (again, normal). Hopefully he'll survive blister free.

Take a change of clothing for him post-race too. Have him peel off all his gear if possible and put on warm dry stuff. He'll feel miles better.

As for cheering, 4-5 hrs cheering with a toddler is a lot to expect, KWIM? I'd pick some strategic locations and tell him where to expect to see you. The 20 mile mark is a good place -- people often bonk there. It doesn't leave you a lot of time to get to the finish, depending on traffic and road closures. You might ask him if he wants you to have emergency supplies with you for him to use. This is typically allowed for most recreational marathons (though NOT for Ironman). I've handed out dry socks, PowerGels, lip balm, gloves, hats, BodyGlide....

Have you been to the pre-race expo yet? They often start early and you might find some cute "support crew" t-shirts there. Ironman has a ton of that stuff. Large marathons usually have some too.

Take a ton of photos! The first is always the best! Have fun!!!


Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

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[MarisaSF]

Epson salts for the bath too feel really good!

All those signs along the race course like "I love you Daddy" always make me tear up a bit.

[pb&j]

I love those signs, too. We saw a cute kid holding one at IronMan Lake Placid that said "run bike swim daddy daddy daddy run bike swim" in little kid handwriting (backwards letters and all) with little kid drawings of daddy running, biking, swimming.


-Ry,
mom to Emma, stillborn 11/04/04
and Max, 01/05/06

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[maestramommy]

Full body massage? He'll need that for sure. Hot bath, and actually after a long run like that my DH wants his steak. :-)

[neeter]

Hi guys - just wanted to post back and thanks for all your great tips! DH ran the Marine Corps (his first) and he did a great job. We ended up with a big banner that said "Go Daddy Go" along with his race time, and a big bunch of balloons. We also have a great celebratory dinner (um, with two bags of ice over his knees).

Thanks again for all the wonderful suggestions!!

[MarisaSF]

Congrats to your DH! Sounds like a wonderful "welcome home"!

[pb&j]

Yippee! That's awesome. :)


-Ry,
mom to Emma, stillborn 11/04/04
and Max, 01/05/06

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http://b1.lilypie.com/aKGqm5/.png[/img] ([img)

[Moneypenny]

Good for him! That's quite an accomplishment!
Susan
mama to my cutie pie, Avery
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[maestramommy]

Yay! Congratulations to your DH on his first! Hope he gets to do more!