Checklist: Prepare For Marathon
(1/2 M, 10k, and 5k too!)

So your marathon is coming up and you need a checklist, right? Check out these marathon preparation tips to ensure you're ready to go on the big day.

Race day can be overwhelming for some first-time runners. Feelings of excitement and nervousness are pulsing through your body. You may have butterflies in your stomach, but remember, you’ve prepared for this day. All your hard work and training is going to pay off. Keep the marathon checklist on your fridge, or taped next to your toothbrush – anywhere you’re going to remember!

1. Proper Clothing

Lay out the exact clothes you trained in- they brought you this far, right? Runners will often discard clothing at the start of the race, so ensure it is something you don’t mind leaving behind.

• Shoes (the same ones you always use)
• Socks
• Running Shorts
• Shirt

2. Race Specific Items

Each marathon differs in climate, location, start time, and popularity. Be sure you grab these items before leaving for the starting line. Many of these items are found in your starter bag.

• Race Bib
• Individual number
• Chip for tracking pace
• Location of the starting line
• Your race wave
• Map of the course

3. Recommended Extras

Consider the following items to make your marathon as comfortable as possible.

• Watch/ GPS to track your race splits
• Moleskin for blisters
• Vaseline or BodyGlide to protect against chaffing
• Sunscreen
• Hat with breathable mesh
• Wind breaker if weather looks cold and rainy

4. Nutrition

From nutrition bars to energy drinks, you will have many choices for your pre-race snacks. Although you may be tempted to experiment with something new, resist the newest product and go with the foods you enjoy.

Save the goodies for post-race recovery. I always go with a banana and a muffin – enough to provide constant energy, but not too much to cause a pit stop on mile3.

5. Hydration

Hydrating for a marathon is a very important part of any marathon checklist. As a general rule, I drink an 8 oz cup of water every two miles. Drink stations will differ for each race, but are generally no further than two miles apart.

Try this technique- bring a water bottle to the starting line to discard before the staring gun. This will allow you to avoid the rush at the first station and continue to the second hydration stand.

Don't Forget!

Print a copy or two of this marathon checklist to keep handy. Review it the night before the race and you’ll be more prepared than the majority of runners.

Remember you’ve already trained and put in the hard work. Now that you have completed your marathon preparation, set your alarm clock, and enjoy the run!

Did we forget something on our "Prepare For Marathon" list? If so, please let us know!

---

Need Something Else?? Search HERE:

---