A Wealth of Tips for Marathoners

I'm thrilled it's the week of the Chicago Marathon!

After many times gearing up for Chicago, I’m still filled with the same excitement, nervousness, and awe as a when I ran my first marathon. 

Not sure why heading off to a marathon seems like such a fierce thing to do.  I think it's because there are so many unknowns and so many logistics.  So to get ready and also to help anyone else headed to Chicago, I’ve compiled what I’ve learned into a top list of "must-knows"

• This year's race starts at 7:30!  30 minutes earlier than in the past! Arrive early to Grant Park.  After 6:30 you're in a bind for port-a-potties, checking gear, clearing your mind, lining up, etc.

• After two blazing hot Chicago Marathons, the forecast is calling for cool--way cool temps.  Start gathering your "throwaway" clothes that you can cast off before the race, and during the race as your body warms up. 

• Bring your own TP to Grant Park.

• Wear your name on your shirt or singlet.  Using a Sharpie, write it in block letters on the blank side of an old tyvek race bib.  You’ll have tens of thousands of spectators yell your name and cheer for you.  Note: don’t use the shortened version if your formal name is Richard.

• First mile:  If you think you’re going the right pace, you’re actually going too fast! If you thing you’re running slow, you’re probably running the right pace.

• Don’t let the congestion wear you down in the early miles.  If you’re feeling a bit boxed in or behind pace after five miles, relax.  You still have 21 miles to make it up!

• Take in the ethnic neighborhoods.  They are the fabric of the course.  There are so many thrilling experiences at the Chicago Marathon.

• The re-unite area has alphabetical signs for you where your family can gather to wait for you after the race.  Use them according to your last name.  They work.  Don’t plan to outsmart everyone else by use the letter X or Z signs because you think it won’t be crowded.  Everyone else tries that too.

• There will be more than 100,000 people at the finish area for several hours. Be patient.

• If you start to get weak legs on Friday or Saturday and wondering what the hell you’ve gotten into, you’re in good company.

• Find a way to convey to that special person—spouse, family member, friend, etc. how grateful you are for their support.  Don't buy the Chicago Marathon commemorative Christmas Ornament for sale at the expo for someone else to remember your marathon.  

• The DVD they sell with stock race footage plus customized footage of you running at half a dozen points on the course is a very good quality and great way to remember the event.  I wouldn't miss it.

• I’m biased, but I think Chicago is the most wonderful of the large marathons.  It’s a great host city.  Feed off the city’s October beauty, the marathon’s great organization, the tremendous crowd of spectators, and the celebration of the greatness of running.

• Contact me if you need tips for your family and friends to find you along the course.  I'll be at the Expo most of the weekend and not too far from The WRIGHTSOCK exhibit space. My number is 515-229-6072

• Below is some of the best advice we've collected in the Lounge by tons of marathoners. They're worth their weight in gold. If you have additional advice for marathoners, spectators, or anyone, please chime in!

Tips for the Final Week before the Marathon

Optimal Race Preparation

Common Race Day Mistakes

Executing Your Marathon Plan

Post Marathon Tips

Tips for Being a Great Marathon Spectator

Good luck to everyone running half marathons and marathons this fall!

May you run to have memories to last a lifetime!

Comments

[Jamie]

I hope to track you down this year at the expo! I'm on the hunt. Keep your eyes peeled on Friday :) Good luck this weekend!

[hollister clothing]

Nice one, there is actually some good points on this blog some of my readers may find this useful, I must send a link, many thanks.

[Onitsuka Tiger Shoes]

A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.

[Air Jordan Max]

people are suffering, is about the pursuit of the wrong things.
1

[Air Max Shoes]

does not condone the people, do not forgive the people, are hard yourself.
1

[Asics Shoes]

A free man obtains knowledge from many sources 1 besides books .
2

[Ed Hardy Swimwear]

Maturity is the stage in life when we may not see eye-to-eye, but we can still walk arm-in-arm.

[Air Max Shoes]

You can share some of your article, I'm like you write something, really very good! I will continue to focus on.

[Air Max Jordan Fusion]

The thirst after happiness is never extinguished in the heart of man.
t

[Buy Sandals]

The history of the world is but the biography of great men.
r

[Vibram 5 Fingers]

The supreme happinees of life is the conviction that we are loved.

[Asics Tiger]

Never done in the article comments, this is my first network comments, appreciate you sharing. Very good article

[true religion outlet]

Like the micro bo’s content, also very happy here and we exchange, here, and had a lot of fun! Thank you!

[moncler outlets]

I view something really special in this site.

[onitsuka tiger by asics]

When you were born, you're crying but lookers-on were smiling. You are passing away, you're smiling but lookers-on are crying. Everything is rebirth!!!!! We are all in transmigration.

[Jordan Heels]

Think of me. of whom you are the life and soul. Think of my love so profound, so pure, and so devoted, and wish I were with you. I am going to bed praying God for you and yours

[Nike Air Max]

Mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I'm more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful.

[Coach Outlet]

Very wonderful article, Sorry,i don't know how to receive my response, why?

http://www.coachfactoryonlinesale.com/

[beats by dr dre uk]

Hongjian head out of the way, said: "There is nothing, that is, head a little pain. Xin Mei brother, really sorry for you today, you also upsets me disappointed, please continue something to eat, I would like to go home, and over days Xin Mei brother up to the government apology. "