Skinny Jim's Marathon Tips

Skinny Jim’s Top Tips for Marathon Virgins

In the taper.

Try out your race day clothing to ensure it’s comfortable.
Make sure you have run at least 50 miles (not all at once) in your choice of footwear.
Take supplements to keep colds and infections at bay and avoid ill people.
Make a list of everything you think you’ll need as if you suffer from OCD.
Book a sports massage for when you get back.
Practice walking downstairs backwards (all will be revealed).
Take three rest days in concession before the big day.

Travelling.

If driving, stop and stretch every couple of hours to avoid muscles getting too stiff.
f flying, take your race kit as hand luggage on the plane (in case bags are lost).
Stay hydrated with at least 3-4 litres of water per day in the three days before.

The Night Before.

Pack bag including: bin-bag, Vaseline, race number, safety pins, lock laces, ibuprofen and toilet paper! - Checklist Here
Avoid trying new foods or anything potentially “risky” e.g. seafood.
Early to bed and no alcohol (marital duties need to be rescheduled too).
Take a litre of Science in Sport PSP22 with 15% concentration an hour before bedtime.

On Race Day.

Get up early and allow at least 2.5 hours to fully digest your marathon breakfast.
Another litre of number 14 and leave plenty of time to get to the start.
Try not to get nervous – this burns too much energy unnecessarily.
Use the loo before you leave your accommodation (you shouldn’t need a reminder for this).

The Race.

Gentle stretching and a couple of minutes jogging is a sufficient warm-up.

Line up in your allocated time zone (be realistic or you will pay dearly).

Start steadily and don’t panic or get frustrated by the crowds. Or Americans.

Take a drink (even if it is only a few sips) at every station. It’s money in the bank for later.

Be careful at drink stations – lots of empty bottles on the floor are a real trip hazard.

If running with friends, be courteous to others and don’t take up the whole road.

Remember it’s okay to have a bad mile and it isn’t necessarily the end of your race

From 20M, repeat the mantra “I can do this. I am a marathon runner.”

Try to smile for the camera at the finishing gantry and don’t say “Never Again!”

And finally….

Don’t forget to enjoy yourself, participate, encourage others, thank officials and above all be proud of your achievement.
Marathon runners are a special breed of mentally tough and physically fit people and you’re now one of us!
Congratulations, well done and welcome to the club. See you next time (refer to The Race point 9)