'LOTR' fans: Start prepping now for the 3-hour-long finale

By Young Chang
Seattle Times staff reporter

	PIERRE VINET / NEW LINE PRODUCTIONS You think saving Middle-earth is a challenge? Try making it through the 200-minute-long "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" without taking a bathroom break. Shown here is Ian McKellen as the wizard Gandalf.
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Packing the cooler to wait in line for "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"? Then heed the advice of extreme film fans, who know their third time around that there's more to prepping for a 200-minute event than digging out the folding chairs.

Mainly, you gotta prepare to watch the film. Not to wait to get in, not to party in your hobbit costume afterward, but to sit that long without suffering from backaches, neck cramps, loss of bladder control, hunger and nausea (especially for those of you headed for Cinerama's 12-plus-hour trilogy showing today.)

Proceed as if you're going hiking or taking the SATs. All it takes is a little bit of good sense and a whole lot of discipline.

• Resist getting the extra-big-gulp drink for 29 cents more. Excessive liquids only mean more bathroom breaks. Linda Teller, a Redmond resident and huge "LOTR" fan, suggests avoiding drinks altogether six hours before the movie, or however long it takes your body to process liquids. Also, go easy on the caffeine.

• Men: Remove the wallet from the back pocket. The bulge can cause the hip and pelvis to settle at an unbalanced angle, according to Seattle chiropractor Cathy Mastroianni.

• Consider energy bars. They're quieter to eat than most other snacks, Teller said. Jen Running Dear, a Woodinville resident headed for the trilogy showing today, suggests healthier alternatives to concession snacks, such as Clif Bars and trail mix, for the intermissions between movies at the Cinerama trilogy.

• Avoid tight jeans.

• Wear comfortable shoes that slip off.

• Sit on a pillow, " 'Cause it's a long time to sit, even in comfortable Cinerama seats," Running Dear said.

• Alternate where you place that pillow. Mari Ellingsen, a Bainbridge Island chiropractor, recommends tucking it in the small of the back. This puts pressure on the lower spine and supports the natural curve, which relaxes the muscles.

• Bring a list of characters, in case you get confused as to who's who.

• Refrain from crossing your legs, as this can result in a twisting of the pelvis, Mastroianni said.

• Layer clothing. Parts of theaters get cold, especially in the back, Running Dear said.

• Get at least nine hours of sleep the night before.

• If you have a bad back, or even if you don't, Mastroianni warns that sitting in the same position for too long can cause a tightening of the lower back muscles. The synovial fluid, found in a little pocket between the joints, settles into one area instead of covering the entire joint surface, which causes stiffness in general. To loosen up and ensure that this lubricating fluid not settle, try the following exercise while seated: Wrap both your hands around the front of your shins, right below your knee cap, and pull the knee up to your chest, one leg at a time. Ellingsen suggests arching your back and then pushing it backward into the seat.

• If you get a break between showings, walk. Bending forward at the waist is also encouraged.

• If you're sitting near the front and looking up for hours, roll the neck and shoulders to avoid stiff muscles later, Mastroianni said.

• Point your toes up; point your toes down.

• Finally, Teller says "The Return of the King" is rumored to be a tear-jerker: "A box of Kleenex will be mandatory."

Young Chang: ychang@seattletimes.com or 206- 748-5815

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