Tips for the "Marathon" Events in Life

I made it! Fair week is officially over, and I survived! But I do feel a face down nap on my desk could happen at any time.
 

After what felt like the longest week of my life, I feel like I've learned a few valuable things that are more worthy of sharing than just the "recap" of my Fair. Like all the food I ate...

 

There are lots of events in life that leave you on your feet for long hours and strain you both physically and mentally. Whether it's a family trip to Disney World, a five day music festival, or if you're like me, 15 hours a day on your feet for four days straight working at the Fair, there are some things that can make your "marathon" event a little easier.

 

(FYI - these photos have nothing to do with my tips - just fun from the Fair!)

 

1 | Wear the right kind of shoes, and rotate pairs. Even the very best shoes, if worn too much, can cause problems. I find it best to rotate 2-3 pairs that are comfortable to avoid any rubbing in certain spots and to change up your support daily. I still had blisters after my event, but if I hadn't switched shoes daily, there would have been a lot more. 

 

 

2 | HYDRATE. Or as we say here at the Fair P.O.P.C. - pee often, pee clear. No matter what your event or the weather (like the 95 heat during Fair) it's important to stay hydrated. Your health and stamina depend on that important factor for your body. It's easy to measure by the POPC idea - keep your urine close to clear, and you're in the clear! You should SEE the water bottles I went through during Fair. I'm sorry to the environment because bottled water is where it's at when you are on the go...

3 | Keep it in perspective. Long hours and exhaustion have a way of making small issues seem like the end of the world. I know I get snappier and down right mean after long days under lots of pressure with little sleep. When things seem to get in your way or cause issues, take a deep breath and let it go. Tomorrow it won't make a difference. So when your Sunday performer's mic system malfunctions and people keep asking you to fix it, and you have to remind them YOU AREN'T THE SOUND GUY, don't get snappy. Just remember that it's all going to be ok - you've got this and it will work out in the end.

4 | Have a support team. I'm lucky enough to work with some of the best people in the world. They are always there to bounce ideas off of, vent to, and save my ass when needed. But best of all they are here to laugh with at the end of very long days, and they show up again early the next morning. Whether it's a family outing or a trip with friends, make sure you know there is someone with you to back you up. To be there for you if things get rough, or you just need a good laugh to get you through to your second wind.

5 | Enjoy it. You may think my 95 hour work week was miserable. But it wasn't. It was one of the best weeks of my whole year. Yes it's long, exhausting, and really wears on me heart and soul, but it's also so much fun. Just seeing the happiness of those who attend the Fair makes it so worth it. I make sure to take a few moments to just take that in. It's the same with any other "marathon" in life. You do it for a reason, so enjoy it while you're there!

 

 

 

Have you been through a event like this lately? What do you do to help get yourself through it healthy and happy?

I'm so happy to be back in the blog world...give me a week or two and I'll do my best to get caught up! Plus the lovely Erin is working on a new blog design for me! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

TTFN,