With the Maine Marathon this weekend, I thought I would list some marathon race day tips to ensure success on race day.

Plan Ahead
On Maine Marathon Day, you want to know where to go. Read the marathon race day information carefully, so you know the routine and schedule for getting there, lining up and finishing. Locate the parking areas before race day. In this case, park in the garage located off Bedford St., which is the first left-hand turn off Forest Ave. after you get off Exit 6B from I-295, or use the Back Cove parking lot along Preble St. Please DO NOT park in the Hannaford Shopping Center lot, however, as that lot is reserved for store customers, and parking is also prohibit at the AAA building. If you are driving to the starting line plan your route and locate your parking areas before race day.

Check The Course Out
Knowing the race course and terrain of the Maine Marathon can help you during your race. If you know where the hills are, the location of hydration stations, spectator viewing areas and landmarks you will be able to a better job of planning your marathon race strategy. Most folks will conduct some of their training runs over the course to familiarize themselves with the terrain.

Avoid Standing, Walking or Lots Of Activity The Day Before
Try to avoid touring the city, walking, raking the yard or just standing a lot the day before your marathon. All of that activity will fatigue your legs and decrease your ability to run your best. Take in the area sites after your race and rake the yard next week, rather than before. Fresh legs will give you a better chance of running your best.

Carbo Load, But Don't Over Do It
Carbo loading is one of the things Marathoners look forward to the night before the race. Storing carbohydrates, several helpings of pasta, bread and salad, are a marathoners common pre-race meal. However, avoid over eating. All of that food can affect your sleep and make you feel sluggish on marathon morning. So, eat a normal meal of high carbohydrate foods, but don't over do it.

Prepare Your Race Gear The Night Before
Most marathons require an early start, so to avoid any marathon morning stress, lay out your race gear the night before. Singlet, shirts, tights, hats, gloves, shoes, socks, race number, etc.... The last thing you need is to be scrambling to find your race day essentials.

"Disposable" Dressing For Race Day
Always be prepared for a temperature variance and a change in weather conditions. Bring an old long sleeve shirt, warm up pants, running gloves and a hat you know you can live without. Waiting around in cool temperatures can be uncomfortable. Also, as the temperatures increase, you want the ability to discard cloths without worrying about going back and picking them up. Think of these items as "disposable". You can discard the clothing, gloves, etc... on the side of the road and volunteers will pick up them up and donate them to a charitable organization. Also bring along a large plastic trash bag. If it is raining you can cut head and arm holes in the bag and use it to keep dry.

Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the starting line or staging area. Congestedd traffic, parking and crowds can be stressful, if you are in a hurry, before the race. You can use the extra time to relax and prepare yourself for your upcoming marathon.

A Long Warm Up Is Not Necessary
A long warm up is not necessary for a marathon as you can use the first mile or two to get going. Running to much before a marathon will utilize valuable carbs in your body. Do some dynamic stretching drills such as high knees, heel kicks and walking lunges and jog for 5-10mins. This will loosen and warm up your muscles without burning a significant amount of carbohydrates.

Hydrate
Start your race properly hydrated by drinking water normally the night before and on race morning when you are thirsty. During the race do not drink water exclusively. Drink the electrolyte sport drink provided to help keep your blood sodium level from becoming diluted and help replace electrolytes and the carbs you are burning.

Line Up With Your Estimated Pace
One of last things you need is to be pulled along at a pace that is way ahead of your target pace. This will cause you to run way to fast early and can be disastrous near the end of a marathon. Line up at the appropriate pace and go out at your planned pace.

Remember, training for a marathon requires discipline, commitment and a lot of hard work. Now that you have successfully completed your marathon training you need to prepare for marathon race day so planning ahead will ensure your path to a successful journey!

Remember, Run Happy!