Marathon tips

One week until race day, and I am running through my mental checklist of to-do's.  I will share my last minute race prep tips.

Do: double check your race gear when you pack.  You would hate to get there without your shoes.  

Don't: plan on getting any sleep the night before.  Between hydrating that takes you to the bathroom every few hours, worrying about sleeping in and missing the race, and worrying about the race itself, it probably won't be a full night of sleep.  

Do: try and get good sleep every other night the week before the race and you will still be fine.  

Don't: go to Olive Garden at six o'clock the night before a race.  Every other racer in town will be there too. 

Do: eat a reasonable dinner at a reasonable hour and pack snacks you are used to eating.

Don't: forget to bring something to eat in the morning.  Mini mart donuts on the way to the bus are not a good idea.

Do: check the course map to make sure you will have nutrition when you expect it, and bring your own for back up if you need it.  

Don't: miss the expo, and bring your ID.  You need to pick up your packet, but it is just fun to hang out with everyone else and get excited about the cool running gear with people who understand.  

Do: bring a headlamp or other light to the start of pre dawn races.  You can drop it in your gear bag when it gets light, but it helps to be able to see a bit when they drop you off a the side of the road at 4:30am.  

Don't: drop your headlamp into the port a potty.  Or shine it in either for that matter.  

Do: keep yourself amused during the race by seeing if you can make a basket with your water cup into the garbage.  Give yourself a mental pat on the back for not littering.  

Don't: take a cup and stop immediately in the middle of the road.  You will get rear ended.  

Do: print off a pace bracelet with your desired times per mile that you can wear during the race.
When you get tired, it gets harder to calculate and figure out whether or not you are still on pace. (I like www.marathonguide.com)

Don't: start counting miles before 13, maybe even 18.  That just makes it feel longer.  

Do: have fun!  Run hard and enjoy the whole experience.  Happy marathon!