ING New York City Marathon

I always eat before I go, then just snack and drink during that ridiculous wait. They have a lot of food there so you can be tempted to overdo it. Take a garbage bag (or two) or better yet, I take a sheet of mylar, and use it to sit on and stay warm if needed. The ground tends to be wet out there and you will need to sit and relax. I like the mylar because it folds up tiny, but spreads out huge and someone else can sit on it with you. Plus if you're freezing you can wrap up in it.

I always buy a throw-away outfit from old navy - yoga pants and a fleece and wear it right up to the start corral and toss it. You can also wear things you have that you don't mind throwing out. They usually collect the clothes for charity I think. 

People aren't overly social with strangers so I'd bring whatever you need to keep yourself calm and entertained. Oh, and I time my final porta potty trip to just about gun time, otherwise you'll be one of the 30,000 people who can't even make it across the bridge without stopping to pee, which to me is a waste of time

Good luck and have fun!

Hi Tracy! We met at IMWI - remember? I believe we shared a volunteer shift and we definitely ran into each other a couple more times. How fun for your husband! Weather is looking good this year, but it usually is in NY for the marathon (unlike Chicago). It's an incredibly fun race, he will love it! Do you have someone to jockstrap with? I can give you pointers on locations and getting around if needed.

Good luck to everyone running on Sunday!!!

I'll be cheering with my running group (The Reservoir Dogs)...we'll have a table with water, gatorade, bananas, oranges, etc, etc on the east side of 1st Avenue and 113th Street.

I do remember meeting you - with the arm sling.  I'm sure you're happy that is now gone!  I'll be jockstrapping with my 10 year old son so any pointers will be gladly accepted!  I'm definitely bringing my cowbell!  Looking forward to taking it all in on race day.  Good Luck to you all!

Hi All:

I'm not racing but my husband is -he found this on you tube today. Pretty cool especially for those who are NYC Mary virgins Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnxknAnBVk0

Good Luck everybody!

Thanks for posting that link Brian.  I've seen that over in the RunnersWorld forums - MAN, whoever did that had some time on their hands.

I'm all set to go.  Long runs have been a little tough for me, but I've had some real quality weekday workouts (which probably made me tired for the weekend long runs, duh!!)

I went for a short run this morning that included a preview of the final stretch, up to the finish line.

 I got really pumped up seeing the crowd there (including many international runners there for the "International Friendship Run".  It was a great sight, and I can't wait to see it again tomorrow afternoon !!!!!

Good luck to everyone!

Dan