First Marathon Tips

• Start slow, then taper.
• Dress appropriately, layer, be ready to peel and toss as you and the day heat up.
• Stay hydrated and fueled (~200 calories per hour)
• DON'T TRY OR DO ANYTHING NEW ON RACE DAY (OR IN THE DAYS BEFORE, FOR THAT MATTER).
• Don't go out too fast. Can't say this too much, if you DON'T feel like you're going too slow in the early miles, then you're going too fast.

How exciting!  Our local marathon is Sunday and I decided not to do it this year (did it the past two years) and now that it's race weekend I'm regretting not training. 

Good luck and enjoy the race!

• DON't spend lots of time walking around the expo the day before, it will just tired out your legs
• DO hydrate well the day before (but not excessively)
• DON'T go out too fast (I figure the more times you hear that the more you will realize it is important!)
• DO stick to your planned pace.  If you feel really good around mile 23 then you can start picking up the pace.
• DO carbo load two days prior to your race
• DO schedule a massage for 2-3 days after the marathon
• DO get plenty of sleep 2 nights before race day (but if you have already raced you already know this)
• DON'T forget it is a 20 mile warm up followed by a 10K race. 
• DO plan on wearing comfortable shoes to work the following day

Do you have a pace band with your mile splits?  If not do a google search and print one out, they are very helpful later in the race when your mind isn't working as well as it usually does.

they seriousy make those?  Thats awesome.  I need to get some of those.

I'm getting pumped for my marrathon too, but it's not until June. 

What Bear and Joel said.  Don't get caught up in going out to fast.  You should feel like you could be running a lot faster the first half of the race.  Stick to your pacing plan if you have one.  There is no such thing as putting time in the bank.  Whatever time you do bank, comes out double over the last 6 miles.  Also, be prepared to hit some rough stretches where you don't feel particularly well.  Just work through them when they come, and know that they will pass quickly.  Break the race up into managable stretches.  It's to much to wrap your brain around 26.2 miles.  I like to use 5k's.  Just concentrate on each 5k, and don't worry about howm much you have left to do.  Oh and one last thing, as you cross the finish like, give yourself a few a few seconds to stop your watch.  I have to many finish line pictures with me looking down at my wrist .

Good Luck

Chris

• The half way point is at 20 miles.
• Bring a small tube of vaseline or similar.  Parts that have never chafed in training will chafe after 20+ miles. 
• Drink enough ( make sure to take in electrolytes too ).  Any sports drink will work for this.
  
• Take in enough calories, you won't run it on water alone.
  
• Have someone meet you at the end, and help you home.
• Keep walking afterwards, so you don't stiffen up.
• Going down stairs hurts.  Going backwards down them hurts less.
• Have fun!

-Chris