Lets use this post to burn up nervous energy and give tips to each other for the race. Don't make them overly complex or really long. We have done that for the last month. Just give little bits of advice that work for you. They don't have to be perfect. Let us know what works for you. I have tons of them, so I will get it started. Keep checking back for more information. EVERYONE please contribute. I am sure our City of Oaks group learned some things this weekend that they can share.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Post YOUR Marathon Tip!
Lets use this post to burn up nervous energy and give tips to each other for the race. Don't make them overly complex or really long. We have done that for the last month. Just give little bits of advice that work for you. They don't have to be perfect. Let us know what works for you. I have tons of them, so I will get it started. Keep checking back for more information. EVERYONE please contribute. I am sure our City of Oaks group learned some things this weekend that they can share.
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Trim your toe nails - this will help avoid blisters and bloody socks.
Go to bed early - Starting loading up on sleep now! Don't wait until Friday night.
Make a pace band - Visit MarathonGuide and create your own personal pace band:
marathonguide.com/fitnesscalcs/PaceBandCreator.cfm
It is simple to do. Enter your goal. . . print it out. . . tape it around your wrist.
A few minutes on the stationary bike in the morning before stretching. Helps me warm up before stretching. Hopefully, the hotel will have some available.
Prayer is always good.
Kinnie
1-WEAR YOUR NAME ON YOUR SHIRT - it always helps to have people cheering for you and calling you by name - either write it (using a Sharpie marker) directly on your orange TT shirt or on bright color duck tape. I will bring tape - just let me know Friday if you want me to write your name for you.
2-TAKE PICTURES & SMILE - I've carried a camera with me before and taken pictures along the way (or asked volunteers/spectators to take pictures of me). It's a nice way to document your journey. At a minimum, try to smile for the official photographers - you should see them along the James River (mile 9) and at the finish.
3-Pack extra safety pins. They should give you what you need at the expo but I like to bring extras - just in case.
Let Alan Webb touch you on the shoulder the day before the race
Start Slow - you will waste energy trying to zig-zag through the crowd in mile 1 and 2.
don't eat expired mexican cheese dip 2 days before the marathon.
matt
generally considered poor form to openly weep before mile twenty
go to #2 early and often and as Michael said w/sleep don't start friday night.
Couple of questions-I am just looking at the map of the course if we are staying downtown Richmond is it still impossible for spectators to walk this course. I never knew how spread out the course was. Also at the expo I am guessing there will be vendors selling racing gear correct?
Derek: This is a tough course to navigate entirely on foot as a spectator. They could start around mile 2, and see you again at mile 19, but that gives them a bunch of time to kill.
Honestly their best bet will be to use a car. They can hit the party zones or use those other tips that I emailed yesterday. Plus, it will be cold. Having a warm car may help keep them cheering.
There will be race gear at the expo in Omni. You can buy lots of Richmond stuff, or just by cheap running clothing.
Talk to people - True, it is your own two legs getting you to the finish, but you are not in this thing alone. Get to know your comrades on the course!
Say "Thank You" - This is my favorite tip, because it works. When you are on the course. . . say "thank you" to people. Thanks the officer who is blocking traffic. Thank the person who is covered in PowerAde passing out cups. Thank the coach who runs beside you. Thank the man who gives you your medal. Thank the girl who removes your chip. . .
You will be amazed how much you get back in return. My favorite is to shout out loud, "Volunteers ROCK! Thank you guys!"
You will get cheers back 10 fold in return.
This race would never happen without the volunteers. Don't ever forget that.
Don't spit into the wind!
Don't tug on Superman's cape...
I agree with Michael...a simple "Thank You" goes a long way!!
Deb
Read the signs the cheering people are holding, they are meant to motivate and sometimes make you laugh...remember the runners are sexy sign Michael you were telling us about last year???
never send a boy to do a man's job
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