Advice From an Amateur

I saw Joe's professional advice and he knows what he's talking about. Please heed what he's saying about hydration and nutrition and other stuff as well.



From my 19 years of regular guy experiences, I would like to offer the following.



1. Have fun. You've come this far, you've trained, you're ready. Enjoy the moment(s) and take it all in. This is a very cool thing you're doing, even if it does hurt.



2. Minimize complications on race day. Try to make everything as easy as possible. Even things as simple as having your # pinned on properly and your clothes ready for both the race and post-race the night before are things that make it all easier. Get there early, but not too early and if you have an old, disposable long sleeve shirt, wear it for when you're waiting to start and discard right before the race. These shirts are actually picked up and reused. It's usually around 50-55 degrees pre-race so you might be a bit nip waiting around.



3. What Joe said about eating and drinking is right on. You really don't want bathroom issues.



4. Put your socks and shpoes on properly and tie them right. John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach would spend the first day of practice showing his players how to properly do this. Again, no need for unnecessary problems.



5. There are several ways to drink during the race. You can stop and do it. That's easy and you can probably figure it out. But if you're like me you keep running. Two things here. One, the volunteers will be holding them out in long lines. Get over but don't go for the first few. Ease in, put your hand out and take from those a bit further down the line. Squeeze the cup a bit so it doesn't splash up and take just enough. This may sound like I'm overexplaining, bit you don't want to gulp in too much and choke and suck air.



6. This shouldn't be an issue as it's going to cool, but if you take Gatorade (which you probably won't need on day like this) don't pour it over your head. It's really sticky.



7. I find miles approx. 6-9 the hardest. You're past City Hall and a bit of the buzz is gone. If you're running, drop your hands and keep form and if you're walking, take it all in. You are not that far away.



8. Enjoy the last mile and if you have something left, use it. The finish is so cool and why not look good. When do you ever have literally thousands cheering for you. And when you see the camera just into the Naval Base, be sure to smile.



9. Be ecstatic when you're done. Not everyone can or will do this and you just did. Go to the tent, or your car and have some serious fun. I know Bruce and I always did!



Make sure you get some carbs in the first hour, and while beer is great, some complex carbs are vital to proper recovery. I know this very well from experience. Ask me about my first Marathon. And honestly, I hope you haven't planned too much for the rest of the day. Relax and enjoy.



10. And again, come to our house from 1:00-. Eat, drink, tell stories and watch the Phillies. It's tradition.



557 E. Centre Ave., Newtown Boro, 215 579 7914



Hope this helps and when all else fails, refer back to # 1. HAVE FUN!