5 tips for the Boston Marathon

I was planning to run a marathon, even though I was running for fitness and enjoyed going fairly long distances.  

I have never been faster, and more than eight miles race wishing I thought had to go to the bathroom one more time before leaving or thinking how clothes that could have ended in time that I would need to complete an itinerary.

But when a friend asked me to train with him to run the Boston Marathon for charity, I decided to go for it. The training was long and sometimes tedious, but worth it to be part of this extraordinary event. I am happy to finish in a respectable time, but what I did was run as rewarding "my" marathon (race will not say because I did not run by any stretch).

Here are some tips I share with marathoners Monday.

 1.You will find this advice in many operational resources, but never, ever use anything on the day of the marathon you have not used before a race distance. Preferably several times before. This includes socks, shoes certainly, shorts, underwear, watches, sunglasses, hats, whatever. The last thing you need is an unexpected discomfort, rubbing or blisters.
 
2. If you have family or friends looking along the road, try to know in advance where they will be. My best memories of the marathon were able to embrace friends and give my sisters and my husband a kiss on my way. Knowing where they would be easier for me to see and maneuver on the right side of the road for a public display of affection sweaty.

3. "The Wall" is real, so have a plan. I did not do it. I am very pleased with myself that I did by Newton and Heartbreak Hill, in relatively good shape. But when I turned in the circle Cleveland, my body said, "I'm done, done" At that time I did not know what to do if this happens to you, try walking for five minutes or if using.. music, develop their most inspiring songs.
 At the rate he was going, walking would be much slower and easier, so it keeps slipping. I for one could say that I find the whole thing. This I did. But I think it would have been just as happy if I had to walk.

4.Try to take in the atmosphere and I do not mean just panting! The last four miles were difficult for me. I ran forward and upward and saw a sign that read "Go Nancy." "Wow", I thought. "Someone has a question for someone with my name!" Looking up, I saw it was for me. A colleague and I had been rooting for.

But even if it was not for me, I was surprised by all the support and encouragement of the crowd offered all runners. Tune in to the good will and support. The appreciation of the crowd can help you keep moving. It is really for you and can help you keep moving.

5. Enjoy the camaraderie. As I became Gloucester Street - the section of the house - a broker who had never met looked at me and said, "I can not believe we're here," I could not and it was great to share this time (especially when you are there! brokers back-de-la-pack). throughout the race, do not hesitate to communicate with colleagues runners.

If you use the Boston Marathon on Monday, I wish you a joyful and rewarding career. No matter how fast you are going, how you are doing, or how you are when you're done, you were part of something special. I will encourage you.