Preparing for BlizzCon: Training for the lines
by Robin Torres 
Jun 25th 2009 at 4:30PM
There are going to be lines at BlizzCon -- long, long lines. There will be lines to get badges, lines for the store, lines for gameplay, lines for food, etc. There will also be some walking, as the Anaheim Convention center is big. And sitting will take place, if you can get a seat for the more popular events. But mostly there will be standing... in lines.
Standing hurts, as anyone who has to stand all day for work can tell you. I don't recommend standing around as practice for the lines, because it really isn't healthy. But there is another exercise that is good for you and will help you prepare for all that standing: walking.
Darn it, Jim! I'm a writer, not a doctor. What do I know? Of course, you should consult a doctor before starting any exercise program, and you shouldn't just take my word for it. But experts say that walking is an excellent exercise for all athletic skill levels and ages. This low impact exercise will strengthen the parts of your legs and feet most affected by standing. Also, if you aren't exercising now and have a bit of a weight problem, adding walking to your routine will probably make you lose weight before BlizzCon. Captain Obvious says that a lighter you will be easier on your legs and feet when you are doing all that standing.
I find that walking outside is infinitely more interesting than on a treadmill, but outdoor exercise isn't always an option. Some of you people live in places that have weather. I live in Los Angeles, where weather is rarely an issue, but walking after dark is most certainly ill advised -- particularly with headphones. As with most things, walking with a buddy is safer and more fun.
So, if you feel inclined to physically train for the rigors of BlizzCon, I suggest regular walks. Just take the appropriate precautions. If you choose treadmill walking, I recommend loading up your mp3 player with your favorite WoW related podcasts to alleviate the boredom.
Stay safe and have fun!
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, BlizzCon
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Soryne Jun 25th 2009 4:42PM
/sigh. Lucky you lot. I have to wait 6 years to go to BlizzCon... don't ask.
Remen Jun 25th 2009 5:00PM
Parole restrictions? Angry ex-wife? Restraining Order?
t0ddd Jun 25th 2009 5:08PM
Can't be within 500 feet of anyone 18 and under?
SeanOr101 Jun 25th 2009 5:13PM
The uncontrollable urge to punch every person dressed as Horde that you see?
h3lladvocate Jun 25th 2009 5:14PM
Oh, please tell =D
Soryne Jun 25th 2009 5:18PM
Hardy har har, boys. I live across the continent, and 6 years from now is the soonest I'm planning to be in San Diego, the closest I've ever been to Anaheim. If it isn't that trip, I can't afford it. Besides, didn't I say not to ask?
BTW, I think you should do an article on things (other than BlizzCon) around Anaheim. Personally, I would suggest public transport (train ride!) to San Diego for Coronado, Little Italy, the zoo, the maritime museum, and the Wild Animal Park. :) Just me. Or LA for La Brea Tar Pits.
Remen Jun 25th 2009 5:29PM
Come on, you expect to post "Don't Ask" and not expect questions. As for the other sites in California, this is wow.com not tourismcalifornia.com
Great place to visit and lots to see but i doubt it would be covered here.
Randy Jun 25th 2009 5:08PM
From personal experience from BlizzCon 2008, expect to stand in huge lines for the Jinx stand....it was outrageous I didn't even bother. Hit stuff early at the beginning or toward the end of the first night as a lot of people seemed to leave early. If possible go pick up your badge on Thursday night, which was offered last year. Not much of a line and it got me out of dealing with that in the morning. There are video screens everywhere so don't go psycho if you don't go front row for the opening or closing ceremonies. The L80ETC concert rocked from 2/3 of the way back.
Also, expect Blizz to not play by their own rules for a hugely popular panel. My bro and I camped through the SC2 Lore Panel (which was good) to get to the panel for The Guild....well it was way more popular than Blizz expected and they tried to completely clear the room and put everyone in a line (which they did for no other panel in that room). I managed to stay and refuse to leave but there were a lot of aggroed people and unfortunately some jackass just let Mike Morhaime have it (was sitting right next to him). So just be prepared for that possibility. Insanely popular panels where thousands will be (like when GC got introduced and geekbois hearts were crushred to find a normal dude with balding hair) is a good time to hit up everything else.
Oh and the food in the convention is good....but its overpriced so do some research on that. Robin you might wanna do a food article next.
greenthumbs Jun 25th 2009 5:31PM
"like when GC got introduced and geekbois hearts were crushed to find a normal dude with balding hair"
lol, we all know they were expecting the embodiment of a blood elf without the pointy ears ;)
Saphia Jun 26th 2009 12:52PM
Oh I have to disagree on the food part. We got $7 tacos last year from the food court and threw them away they were so disgusting. Much better to go back to the hotel and pay a little bit more for real food and service and a spot to sit. Though, that's coming from a husband/wife team and not a group of teenagers so maybe it's just being in a different age group. ;)
Robin Torres Jun 26th 2009 12:58PM
I agree with Saphia that the convention food was mixed-bag at best, but I think we can all agree that it is overpriced.
Randy Jun 26th 2009 1:56PM
I stuck with the wraps....its really hard to screw those up. Your points are well taken.
jfofla Jun 25th 2009 6:10PM
Last year I picked up my badges on Thursday night, and that was a BIG help. I highly suggest it.
Jessie Jun 25th 2009 6:23PM
good advice!! I'm willing to walk/run with anyone in the Camarillo area!! I'm training to do a half marathon anyways!!
Alice Jun 25th 2009 7:48PM
My boy and I go to a theme park every weekend and there are outrageous lines for the rides, and to get in in the morning- so I always say we're practicing for Blizzcon with all the walking and waiting we do.
phaedra Jun 26th 2009 12:35PM
One thing that's going to help is the ability to pre-order your Blizzcon store swag before Blizzcon. So, unless Jinx unveils something else as awesome as the Murloc plush, no store lines for me this year!
epixthedwarf Jun 26th 2009 1:19PM
I've been to BlizzCon back in 2007, and since I live on the other side of the continent that necessarily included a bunch of time sitting in a coach seat twisted up like a pretzel. Standing in lines sucked because of the back pain and tired legs and feet. At that time, I was about 100 lbs overweight. With that experience lodged firmly into my brain, how could I not do something about it?
I have been a big guy since high school, really, so it's not like being overweight is something new. I am 26 now, so I'd estimate I've been at least 80lb overweight for a good 11 years. Yeah. At least I don't live in my parents' basement :P
As soon as I secured my tickets, airfare, and lodging for BlizzCon back in May, I started a fairly intense workout and very controlled diet. Starting at 110lbs overweight (yikes!) I have been cycling and DDRing everyday and I've been really focused on cutting junk out of my life. While I have lost just 25lbs so far, I have also lost several inches of pointless fat. I think BlizzCon will be a much better experience for it. And hey, maybe I will even keep up the better diet and exercise and have a better life overall. WoW really is a miracle!
I highly recommend my fellow WoW brothers and sisters to get just a little in shape to make your experience at BlizzCon more enjoyable and fun.