Anyone doing Key West?

Oh, V-backed Goddess - I'm not sure whether or not you need a 'script for an epi-pen. I have ... other ways ... of getting them. I do know they sell them at the local CVS for $15.00. I probably have to go to the CVS a little later today and I will ask the pharamacist whether or not a 'scipt is necessary, at least here in Pennsylvania. The thought behind the epi-pen vs the benadryl is that you would only use it at need and if you need it, your race is probably over anyway. It is much faster acting than Benadryl, so Benadryl was a suggestion of absolute last need. I'd really talk to your doctor about the two. Some years ago I had an allergic reaction to codeine cough syrup and managed to gulp 2 Benadryl before I passed out. The Dr said it kept me alive (I was home alone), but I probably wouldn't have passed out with an epi-pen. Remember that meat tenderizer can neutralize the stings and the sharks appreciate not having to chew so hard as well. Regarding what to drink: I have heard good things about Hammer products but, since nowhere local stocks them and I am too much of a flake to remember to order them by mail, I've gone with my own concoction. (3 scoops Accelerade Orange flavor with 1 packet of GU tri-berry in 48 fluid oz of water makes 4 servings or 2 hours worth of mix.) By all means experiment, but just be sure to get something decided well in advance of the race. Just a thought... Sunscreen: The sun will be intense down there and I am paranoid about skin cancer. I've never found anything that held for more than about 4 hours (Bullfrog 45 Superblock), but an aquaintence swears that the following recipe is better than anything commercial, athough it is MESSY (I've not tried it yet, but intend to): 1 pound of vaseline 1 pound of zinc oxide cream with an ANHYDROUS LANOLIN base 1 Bottle of Bullfrog 45 superblock Mix the vaseline and zinc oxide cream and GENTLY warm it with a pan of warm water until it just melts, stirring it all the while. Take off the heat and add the Bullfrog, mixing it rapidly and well. Let cool. Apply very liberally - you will look like Casper the Ghost and be a greasy mess, but... Good luck with the surgery. -LBJ

Oh, V-backed Goddess - I'm not sure whether or not you need a 'script for an epi-pen. I have ... other ways ... of getting them. I do know they sell them at the local CVS for $15.00. I probably have to go to the CVS a little later today and I will ask the pharamacist whether or not a 'scipt is necessary, at least here in Pennsylvania. The thought behind the epi-pen vs the benadryl is that you would only use it at need and if you need it, your race is probably over anyway. It is much faster acting than Benadryl, so Benadryl was a suggestion of absolute last need. I'd really talk to your doctor about the two. Some years ago I had an allergic reaction to codeine cough syrup and managed to gulp 2 Benadryl before I passed out. The Dr said it kept me alive (I was home alone), but I probably wouldn't have passed out with an epi-pen. Remember that meat tenderizer can neutralize the stings and the sharks appreciate not having to chew so hard as well. Regarding what to drink: I have heard good things about Hammer products but, since nowhere local stocks them and I am too much of a flake to remember to order them by mail, I've gone with my own concoction. (3 scoops Accelerade Orange flavor with 1 packet of GU tri-berry in 48 fluid oz of water makes 4 servings or 2 hours worth of mix.) By all means experiment, but just be sure to get something decided well in advance of the race. Just a thought... Sunscreen: The sun will be intense down there and I am paranoid about skin cancer. I've never found anything that held for more than about 4 hours (Bullfrog 45 Superblock), but an aquaintence swears that the following recipe is better than anything commercial, athough it is MESSY (I've not tried it yet, but intend to): 1 pound of vaseline 1 pound of zinc oxide cream with an ANHYDROUS LANOLIN base 1 Bottle of Bullfrog 45 superblock Mix the vaseline and zinc oxide cream and GENTLY warm it with a pan of warm water until it just melts, stirring it all the while. Take off the heat and add the Bullfrog, mixing it rapidly and well. Let cool. Apply very liberally - you will look like Casper the Ghost and be a greasy mess, but... Good luck with the surgery. -LBJ