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2012-08-22 12:58 AM

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Master
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Gig Harbor
Subject: Staying up late.

So, my first triathlon ever (a 140.6) is this Saturday in Lake Tahoe.  

I am very short on extra funds, so I could not get a hotel for 2 nights in Reno (the race finish, and where they are providing shuttles at 3:30 a.m. to the race start), so I will be staying in Sacramento with my mother.  My mom's place to the race start is 2 hours.  She has graciously offered to drive me there.  

Friday, I have to drive to Reno to have my bike inspected, drop off special needs and transition bags, and turn in my bike for transport to the T1 area.  I will do this in the morning, and be back to my mom's place by early afternoon.  

Since I have to get up soooooo early on Race day - I want to go to bed early on Friday.  The problem is, I am a night owl - usually not going to sleep until 11:00 p.m. or later.  Add to that the anxiety I am sure I will have, and I am foreseeing a night of little sleep the day before my race.  

I am thinking that I will stay up extra late on Thursday, with the intention of being really tired on Friday and going to bed by 8:00 p.m. at the latest.  Of course, this could backfire, and a am not able to sleep on Friday that early due to pre race anxiety...then I have 2 days of little sleep.  

What are your thoughts / advice on my making myself extra tired plan 2 days before race day?



2012-08-22 1:20 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Subject: RE: Staying up late.
Muskrat37 - 2012-08-22 12:58 AM

So, my first triathlon ever (a 140.6) is this Saturday in Lake Tahoe.  

I am very short on extra funds, so I could not get a hotel for 2 nights in Reno (the race finish, and where they are providing shuttles at 3:30 a.m. to the race start), so I will be staying in Sacramento with my mother.  My mom's place to the race start is 2 hours.  She has graciously offered to drive me there.  

Friday, I have to drive to Reno to have my bike inspected, drop off special needs and transition bags, and turn in my bike for transport to the T1 area.  I will do this in the morning, and be back to my mom's place by early afternoon.  

Since I have to get up soooooo early on Race day - I want to go to bed early on Friday.  The problem is, I am a night owl - usually not going to sleep until 11:00 p.m. or later.  Add to that the anxiety I am sure I will have, and I am foreseeing a night of little sleep the day before my race.  

I am thinking that I will stay up extra late on Thursday, with the intention of being really tired on Friday and going to bed by 8:00 p.m. at the latest.  Of course, this could backfire, and a am not able to sleep on Friday that early due to pre race anxiety...then I have 2 days of little sleep.  

What are your thoughts / advice on my making myself extra tired plan 2 days before race day?

This is a bad idea. It's not the night before the race that is as important as two nights before to get a good night's sleep. Thus, Thursday is your night to get a solid 8-10 hours if your capable. At my first HIM, I had a decent Thursday, but literally slept 90 minutes the night before the race (for a variety of reasons... i wont go into). I was so amped up that I never felt tired on race day, and beat my predicted "A" time by 15 minutes in hot conditions.

Sleep deficit is cummulative, and often hard to overcome. If you were hoping for an early bedtime on race night, to some degree, you may already be in a bad place. Ideally, you would have moved up your bedtime by 20-30 minutes/night over the last week to get you to a place where you're ready to sleep at a respectable hour (whatever that is to you, but preferrably around 9-10 to get at least 6 hours sleep. This is obviously somewhat arbitrary). I'm speaking from experience as an ICU doc that works long weekends in the hospital (thankfully with scattered opportunities to sleep). Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK! It takes...guts to do an IM as your first tri...

2012-08-22 2:48 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Master
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Kailua, Hawaii
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

you could take a natural sleeping aid like Melatonin.

I'm a big fan of Sundown Super Snooze, which contains Melatonin.

http://www.sundownnaturals.com/sleeprelaxation-support/015333

2012-08-22 3:18 AM
in reply to: #4374419

Member
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Wollongong, New South Wales
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

Thats really important to remember that sleep deficit is cumulative. Did a lot of work of fatigue effects on shift work in a previous life. Build up your sleep banks, basically the night before probably isnt going to be great for a number of reasons so the previous couple of nights is important.

 

Goodluck!

2012-08-22 5:15 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Mojave Desert
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

I'm never able to sleep before a race.  I'd get sleep when you can.

2012-08-22 6:45 AM
in reply to: #4374428

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Long Island
Subject: RE: Staying up late.
metafizx - 2012-08-22 3:48 AM

you could take a natural sleeping aid like Melatonin.

I'm a big fan of Sundown Super Snooze, which contains Melatonin.

http://www.sundownnaturals.com/sleeprelaxation-support/015333

 

x2. I usually take 6mg of melatonin, knocks me out and not drowsy the next day.



2012-08-22 7:01 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Expert
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South Windsor CT
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

The amount of sleep you acculmalate 2-3 days before the race is most important. 

 I would def try to sleep as much as possible 2-3 days before the race.

I use melatonin 1-2 mg, but Im not sure if you really want to try something new, this close to your race.

Good luck on your race!!

2012-08-22 7:08 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Master
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Midcoast Maine
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

I completely concur with the thought of "the night before the night before" is the most important night of sleep. I really don't sleep well the night before a race - so I bank on the fact that the night before the night before I've topped off the tank.

My aunt lives in Sacramento and drives up to Lake Tahoe frequently - should be a beautiful race. Good luck!

2012-08-22 7:50 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Pro
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Staying up late.
Except for decent training, sleep is the most important factor to be able to perform. I'd be worried that you not be able to have a decent race with that lack of sleep...

Start going to bed earlier right now and adjust.
2012-08-22 8:36 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Veteran
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Panama City, FL
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

Beg steal or borrow for hotel and forget all the driving. Commuting like that can wear on the body and mind. I"m more tired after a day of driving than training!

 

2012-08-22 8:44 AM
in reply to: #4374668

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Deep in the Heart of Texas
Subject: RE: Staying up late.
taylorz13 - 2012-08-22 8:36 AM

Beg steal or borrow for hotel and forget all the driving. Commuting like that can wear on the body and mind. I"m more tired after a day of driving than training!

 

x2.  There has to be some dive motel which is less than the 4 hours of gas for your mom to drive you to the race.

x12 on getting a good nights rest Wednesday and Thursday night.

Good luck on your first triathlon!



2012-08-22 8:44 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Subject: RE: Staying up late.

I've tried staying up the night before a couple of times and it has almost never worked for me.  You may want to skip coffee (if you drink it) in Sacramento and try to get some sleep on the way up.  You can get a cup in Truckee.

But overall, I am totally jealous.  I love Tahoe and if I were in anything close to condition for that distance I'd be there with you.  Have fun.

2012-08-22 8:45 AM
in reply to: #4374668

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Staying up late.
Could you squeeze out $50 for a hotel on Friday night?  A quick search on Expedia for a room near Reno and I found 14 options under $75, including a room at the Baymont Inn and Suites for $57.23 with cash.   Subtract what you will be paying for gas for the 2 hour drive (twice, right?) and you might find this is a good option... 
2012-08-22 8:55 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Master
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Burlington, Vermont
Subject: RE: Staying up late.
airbnb.com also offers affordable beds in people's homes. I just had a triathlete contact me the night before nationals when her hotel reservation got messed up. There may be local folks on there willing to give you a room.
2012-08-22 9:01 AM
in reply to: #4374681

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Master
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Gig Harbor
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

BikerGrrrl - 2012-08-22 6:45 AM Could you squeeze out $50 for a hotel on Friday night?  A quick search on Expedia for a room near Reno and I found 14 options under $75, including a room at the Baymont Inn and Suites for $57.23 with cash.   Subtract what you will be paying for gas for the 2 hour drive (twice, right?) and you might find this is a good option... 

It's my mom's gas.    I live in Gig Harbor, WA and took 2 weeks off work (unpaid) for this race.  I did this because Gig Harbor is at sea level, and our weather is very mild.  The swim start for this race is at 6,500 feet of elevation.  The bike will take me through Carson City and Reno where I expect the temps in the afternoon to reach the 90's.  My dad lives in a small town in Oregon that is @ 4,200 feet of elevation, and the temps have been 95+  I came down here to acclimate to riding a bike and running at this elevation and in the heat.  I am soooooo glad I did, as the first day here and cycling in that heat was a total shock to my body.  

Anyways - long answer short - After 2 weeks with no pay, No, I can't squeeze out the extra $50.  I still have to spend a couple hundred to drive home after my race - then I have to pay the rent and other bills when I get home.  In all honesty, I didn't really have the cash for this trip - but after everything I have gone through to get to race day, I wasn't going to let money keep me from my goal.  I will find a way.  

****************************************

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I have actually been sleeping a lot more than normal this last week.  I will get a good nights sleep Thursday, and do my best to sleep Friday.  

2012-08-22 9:17 AM
in reply to: #4374419

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Member
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Oviedo, Florida
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

This is a bad idea. It's not the night before the race that is as important as two nights before to get a good night's sleep. Thus, Thursday is your night to get a solid 8-10 hours if your capable. At my first HIM, I had a decent Thursday, but literally slept 90 minutes the night before the race (for a variety of reasons... i wont go into). I was so amped up that I never felt tired on race day, and beat my predicted "A" time by 15 minutes in hot conditions.

Sleep deficit is cummulative, and often hard to overcome. If you were hoping for an early bedtime on race night, to some degree, you may already be in a bad place. Ideally, you would have moved up your bedtime by 20-30 minutes/night over the last week to get you to a place where you're ready to sleep at a respectable hour (whatever that is to you, but preferrably around 9-10 to get at least 6 hours sleep. This is obviously somewhat arbitrary). I'm speaking from experience as an ICU doc that works long weekends in the hospital (thankfully with scattered opportunities to sleep). Hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK! It takes...guts to do an IM as your first tri...

What he said! Try to get a lot of sleep Thursday. It's not that uncommon to have a lousy night's sleep the night before a race.



2012-08-22 9:29 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Expert
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San Luis Obispo, CA
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

Hey Chad congrats on all your hard work getting ready for your first long race!

I was just up in Tahoe this weekend and I hate to tell you, but there is a ton of construction on Interstate 80 between Auburn and Truckee.  That drive will be longer than you are planning on. 

2012-08-22 9:41 AM
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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: Staying up late.

To echo everyone else - get the best sleep you can TWO nights before the race. Take a melatonin or Tylenol PM or something to get you to sleep if you have to.

I'm also stumped by the 2-hour+ drive (each way? twice?) and with California gas prices - wouldn't it be cheaper to get a hotel? If it's something your Mom is dying to do to spend time with you, that's different of course.

Have a great race!

2012-08-22 10:53 AM
in reply to: #4374800

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Subject: RE: Staying up late.
lisac957 - 2012-08-22 9:41 AM

To echo everyone else - get the best sleep you can TWO nights before the race. Take a melatonin or Tylenol PM or something to get you to sleep if you have to.

I'm also stumped by the 2-hour+ drive (each way? twice?) and with California gas prices - wouldn't it be cheaper to get a hotel? If it's something your Mom is dying to do to spend time with you, that's different of course.

Have a great race!

 

Heck, take a tent and camp out- save $$

2012-08-22 11:35 AM
in reply to: #4374415

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Master
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Crab Cake City
Subject: RE: Staying up late.
uggh, multiple 2 hr drives seems like a sufferfest for me but if its what you got to work with then so be it. I would try to get as much sleep in as possible all week. I never sleep well before a race nd it seems like others dont either. Good luck at the race and I will be pulling for you. Got a time goal in mind?
2012-08-22 12:56 PM
in reply to: #4374415

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Elite
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Laguna Beach
Subject: RE: Staying up late.

Only soldiers and criminals, and triathletes, are up before 9:00 AM. Mornings are dreadful.

Except race and military mornings. Smile

There is lore that the important sleeping night is not the night before your race, but the night before the night before your race. In other words, two nights before. If you get a good night's sleep that night usually you'll be fine for race day.



2012-08-22 1:11 PM
in reply to: #4374415

Master
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Subject: RE: Staying up late.
Muskrat37 - 2012-08-22 12:58 AM

I am thinking that I will stay up extra late on Thursday, with the intention of being really tired on Friday and going to bed by 8:00 p.m. at the latest.  Of course, this could backfire, and a am not able to sleep on Friday that early due to pre race anxiety...then I have 2 days of little sleep.  

What are your thoughts / advice on my making myself extra tired plan 2 days before race day?

That is a terrible idea (to put it bluntly). You will be recovering from the previous night instead of resting up for the next day. You will be coming off two bad nights of sleep in a row. Adjusting your sleep schedule ahead of time would have been best (as has been mentioned). But at this point in time, it is way too late for that to be effective. The best thing you could do now would be to get a solid night of sleep both tonight and tomorrow night (Thursday) at what is fairly normal for you, so that Friday night will not matter so much. Getting up off schedule once will be much less difficult than for several days in a row, especially if you were well rested coming into that questionable night.

I'll even take a nap on the day before (if possible) because I usually don't sleep well that night anyway.

2012-08-22 3:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Staying up late.
itsallrelative_Maine - 2012-08-22 8:08 AM

I completely concur with the thought of "the night before the night before" is the most important night of sleep. I really don't sleep well the night before a race - so I bank on the fact that the night before the night before I've topped off the tank.

 

this

2012-08-22 4:14 PM
in reply to: #4374415

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Subject: RE: Staying up late.
If your mom was going to buy the gas anyway, any chance she might pay for a room for you the night before?  If you ask nicely? Smile  Just seems like one less thing to worry about if you stay closer.
2012-08-22 9:43 PM
in reply to: #4374668

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Master
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Gig Harbor
Subject: RE: Staying up late.
taylorz13 - 2012-08-22 6:36 AM

Beg steal or borrow for hotel and forget all the driving. Commuting like that can wear on the body and mind. I"m more tired after a day of driving than training! 

This made me laugh.  I have already had to beg, borrow and barter to get where I am at today.  See the story of my bike here:  

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=442314&start=1

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