As one coach used to say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Plan for running a successful marathon with this checklist of things you don’t want to forget on marathon race day:
Eat a small breakfast containing 300 to 400 calories of carbohydrate and protein 1.5 to 2 hours before the start.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink 16 ounces of water or a sports drink 2 hours before the start and keep sipping until about 15 minutes before the start.
Check your gear at the start.
Go to the bathroom.
Warm up only a little to get rid of pre-race jitters. Walk or jog for about a half-mile and do some dynamic stretching exercises, moving your legs through their range of motion.
Apply BodyGlide to inner thighs, nipples, and below armpits to prevent chafing.
Pin your race number to your shirt.
Stick a couple of energy gels in your shorts pocket.
Attach your timing chip to your shoe.
Double knot your shoes.
Find your pace group at the start.
Remind yourself to have fun.