Smitty's tips for a great marathon

You've put in the training yet what do you do leading up to the race? If you have tapered correctly you will feel well rested with a lot of energy which sometimes leaves us anxious and unfocused. Here are tips from veteran runner, Smitty, to keep you on track for a great race!

3 or More Days Beforehand:
  • Review and visualize the course. Note landmarks and things to look forward to!
  • Do you know where you plan to park and how to get there? Thousands of people are going to the same event as you!
​​
2 Days Before the Event:
  • Increase your hydration and begin carbo-loading.
  • Take a training rest day. Conserve energy and heal up from your exhaustive training!
  • Pick up your race packet. Do you know what time that is?
  • Get a good night of sleep. Tonight's sleep is even more important than the day before the event!
1 Day Before the Event:
  • Continue hydrating well and consuming an increased amount of carbohydrates. Avoid alcohol.
  • Do not experiment with new foods, drinks, clothing, etc. Use what worked throughout your training.
  • Walk or run an easy 2-3 miles. This will prepare your body for tomorrow and help you relax.
  • Pick up your race packet early if you haven't already!
  • Layout or pack all of tomorrow's essential items (Bib#, Race-bib Belt, Body Glide, Nutrition, etc.).
​​
Morning of the Event:
  • Breakfast - Eat what you've always eaten throughout your training.
  • Arrive early! Allow plenty of time for traffic, parking, warm-up, visiting with friends and finding your correct starting corral!
  • Warm up. Do some light jogging or walking to get your heart rate up and ready for the start.
  • Visualize Your Race. What is your goal pace? Where will you see friends and family on the course?
​​
At the Start:
  • Start slowly! Your first mile will be faster than you think. With 13.1/26.2 miles to cover, you'll finish faster if you start slower.
  • Drink early and often! Hydration and energy replenishment is important for a half-marathon. Consume calories (Gel, banana, Gatorade, etc.) every 45 minutes.
  • Listen to your body. If you've gone out too fast, slow down and regroup your breathing.
  • Stay alert! Be aware of potholes, grates, rocks and cones on the course.
  • Tangents. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The course was measured this way!
​​
At the Finish: