10 Steps to a Successful Philadelphia Marathon Weekend

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1. TRUST YOUR TRAINING: You have worked so hard for this the past couple of months. Trust yourself, trust your coach, and trust your body to know what to do on race day. Trust your mind, and don't second guess yourself. There is nothing you can do to help you get ready for race day, everything is already in the bag.
2. TAPER: If you missed a workout, a long run, a strength session, tempo run, don't cram it in now. Don't go running 26.2 or 20 miles just to see if you can do it or cram it in because you missed it. It's just a little extra freshness in your legs for that one run you missed.
3. ShakeOut Runs:
1. Monday, November 18th: Issa Run Crew Art Museum Whole Foods 6pm. No Frills Yards Bridge Run with New Balance 500 Spring Garden Street 5:45pm.
2. Tuesday, November 19th: OPAC Ten Stone 2063 South Street Run Club 7 pm. Mind over Marathon: Mental Keys to Philly Marathon Success. Philadelphia Runner 3621 Walnut Street
3. Wednesday, November 20th: City Fit Girls Dilworth Plaza 6:30pm
4. Thursday, November 21st: Philadelphia Runner Center City Prep Rally 6pm
5. Friday, November 22nd: OPAC ShakeOut 1150 Filbert Street 6pm.
4. EXPO: You're lucky the Philly Marathon Expo isn't too big, because you don't stay on your feet for too long! But definitely walking around and check all the vendors. There are some awesome expo deals. I'll be at Philadelphia Runner'sRunner's tent (or possibly Garmin, Gore, Feetures, or On!)
5. Cheer zones:
1. HALF MARATHON: Some of my favorite places to cheer during the half are on market street right at 6th and Market. You can get off the train at Jefferson Station and just walk over to Market. I also love by the Ben Franklin Bridge, as you turn onto Columbus Boulevard. For Drexel and Penn folks, 34th and Fairmount Ave gives you a bird's eye view of your favorite runner on the bridge right before the Zoo. You could even cheer at 34th and Girard, and then go down to the finish via Lemon Hill.
2. MARATHON: more miles, so many more options. My family usually watches the start on the Parkway and then goes over to Chestnut. There are usually sooooo many people on Chestnut Street, and it's a cheer tunnel. Another fantastic place to cheer is Manayunk!! There are so many people, OPAC will be out there at Sona at Mile 21. Philadelphia Runner has a cheer squad at their store right before the turnaround. If you're by the East Falls section, Falls Bridge, or right by Ferry Street, you can see runners go by twice!!
6. What to wear
1. HALF MARATHON: The chance of rain is 40% with a low of 32 degrees and a high of 45 degrees. So yes, it will be cold, but you will warm up. I would say this is half tight, Capri, or short weather. I recommend dressing for 52 degrees- short sleeves or tank top with arm sleeves. Even a nice light windbreaker to shield you from the wind and rain, gloves, or hats are a great idea too. Wear layers, wear a trash bag, and keep it on while you're in your corral waiting to start.
2. MARATHON: Sunday there is no rain, and it will be a low of 28 degrees and a high of 48. The start will probably be freezing, but get some cheap throwaways from Five Below and wear them until you start. I'm a shorts girl so I would probably be wearing shorts in this weather with a tank top arm sleeves, gloves, and a hat. Some people won't feel comfortable with that, but wear layers! Capris, with a short-sleeve shirt, a long sleeve or half zip over the top, and then toss it to your friends or family.
7. Nutrition
1. Nothing new on race day. 15 minutes before, every 45 minutes. Try and line it up wit wooder stops. Even when you're tired at the end, do it!! It will give you that extra boost to the finish.
8. Course
1. HALF MARATHON: it has changed around a little bit and going towards the liberty bell for a more scenic route through historic Philly. I did the half for the first time two years ago pacing, my favorite section was around 33rd street and reservoir drive, down fountain green to Kelly drive. There is a nice downhill that gives you the extra momentum to the finish.
2. FULL MARATHON: its tried and true and rarely ever changes. Therefore, after running 3 times, I know the ins and outs. I'm so glad to have such a fantastic hometown marathon and the chance to train on it and get used to it. There is not a lot of hills, it's a nice, flat, fast course. A little hill up Chestnut street, and 34rd street, and Lansdowne Drive, which is all in the first half, so don't get panicked when you're off your splits. There isn't a lot of crowd support on Kelly Drive towards Manayunk, so I like to look at the fast people on their way back, and keeping my eyes peeled for friends.
9. Morning Of
1. You don't have to be there at 5:30, but I would give yourself plenty of time if you're parking, or getting dropped off. You have to go through security, it doesn't take too long, but it's a lot of walking to get to the start. Half Marathon is on Saturday at 7:30. I would be there by 6:30 at the latest Marathon starts at 7:00am on Sunday. Be there by 6:15. Eat your breakfast, drink your coffee, and make sure you go to the bathroom. Usually, as soon as I get there, I stand in line for the porta-potties or sit. Wear your layers and try and find a curb or somewhere dry to still and relax before the start.
10. HAVE FUN AND SMILE!
1. You have worked so hard for this! You are going to have so much fun. Smile, wave hi to everyone and your friends, give hi-fives, and remember to chase your dreams!!! Good luck!!