All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Or maybe you hope to be one day!
JEWEL SAMAD/Getty Images
That said, my experiencerunningthis marathon in 2015 was the moment I fell back in love with New York.
Its an experience Ill never forget.
Familiarize yourself with the course, but dont dissect it to the nth degree.
The runners village at the start line is overrated.
to get near the start before its time to take off.
And hopefully, it involves pizza and a drink.
I highly recommend going to the Kips Bay AMC Movie theater the day before the marathon, too.
Staying off your feet the day before is a great idea.
- Maybe treat yourself to taking a cab or Lyft, and hydrate while youre at the movies!
Kelly will be running this year, so look out for her and her lime green inflatable!
In her words: They are pretty cheap and they look super cool!
it’s possible for you to also just wear something warm that youve been meaning to donate.
My thoughts: NYRR does a fantastic job making this race a success year after year.
They know their stuff, so take their advice seriously.
Start the race slow.
Give your body time to warm up.
This, unfortunately, wasn’t something I did in 2015.
And I ended up running out of gas by mile 20.
Its hard but so important to start conservatively on this course!
The bridge, spanning almost 14,000 feet across, also stands almost 700 feet high!
This bridge will be the toughest you face throughout the course.
Another notable bridge is the Queensboro at mile 15.
Remember: Trust your training, pace yourself, keep pushing forward, and smile through the pain.
Pacing yourself for the first 2 miles is key.
You still have 24 miles remaining once theyre over!
Also, soak in your surroundings when youre on each bridge.
The sights are pretty magnificent.
The race itself is lively, exciting, energetic, and fun!
The difficulty might start around the Queensboro bridge as there are no crowds to cheer you on.
Let the energy of the crowd carry you home.
I consider NYC to be one of the most challenging courses on the [marathon] circuit.
This makes a strategic refueling plan all the more important, ensuring optimal hydration and replenishing glycogen stores.
Every runner should have his or her ownfueling planthat mirrors long runs and hard workouts.
There are emotional support dogs in the pens before the marathon [specifically for runners to pet].
Also, keep an eye out not just for race supporters but other runners.
I was blown away by how many Achilles International teams there were with blind/differently abled runners.
The New York City Marathon is a chance to celebrate everything around you.
Also, check that to look at the signs!
People have some pretty witty sayings that have made me laugh out loud when I needed it most.
Dont be shy about leaving the finish area altogether, too.
He reminds us that in the moments when things get tough, we have to remember to love ourselves.
When the marathon gets hardand it does get hardit helps to remember that you are loved.
So go out there and remember that.
Itll be worth it, I promise.
