Rest Up and Remember That “You Got This:” Last-Minute Tips From Our Bloggers

There's a good chance that the day before the big dance, your nerves are going to be at an all-time high. To avoid a race day meltdown, use Saturday to make sure that everything you have control over (clothes, gear, nutrition) is prepped and ready to go.

Make your own checklist! Write out everything you need [and have it] laid out and prepped on Saturday so you're not frantically searching for hair ties or bib pins before you're heading out the door. Make sure your watch, headphones, and any other devices you're using are charged and ready to go.

Once that's done, relax! If you're running with headphones, put the finishing touches on your playlist, read a book, write a gratitude list, watch a movie, and eat a nice meal! Get off social media and get to bed early. You have a LONG day ahead of you.

Remember, you're going to be in the start village at Staten Island for a LONG time and you don't want to be cold, bored, or hungry. Make sure you wear extra warm throwaway clothes. It's better to wear too much than too little!

Bring a magazine, a book, a crossword puzzle—anything you don't mind throwing away before you head to your corral. You don't want to drain your phone battery before the race even starts so if you have a portable charger it's a good idea to bring it with you.

Bring something to eat (I pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a water, and a banana) so you're fueled up and ready to run. Lastly, remember to take it all in and breathe. Talk to other runners while you're waiting. Share stories. You've worked for months to get to this moment. Be present. You've got this.

Lindsey Clayton
@lindseyclayton23

In the buildup to the race, remind yourself that you’ve done the work, trust in yourself and your training. For months prior you’ve been preparing physically and mentally for the race, so don’t waste either energy source on Saturday.

I do a short shakeout run on Saturday morning, then I stay off my feet for the rest of the day. Combined with watching comedies on Saturday, [it] keeps me relaxed.

Marcus Brown
@themarathonmarcus

Do be on time for the ferry/bus. Queues can be long, so be patient; everyone gets to the starting line.Enjoy the expo, but do keep in mind how much you walk the day before, for me 15,000 steps is a good limit more than that and your legs could be a bit tired on race day. Eat carbs, but not an amount you are not used to—it is better to increase intake over a couple of days than to overeat the day before.

Enjoy the race, and remind yourself you’re doing this for fun—there is no need to stress about it!

Julio Vega
@faster.with.julio

Go to the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub and listen to inspiring stories from other runners—while sitting down!

Learn all about the course, hear talks from the likes of Jared Ward, Sara Hall, Roberta Groner, Lauren Fleshman, and Mary Wittenberg. (I'll be pulling up a front-row seat).

Levain Bakery is less than a mile away [from the NYRR RUNCENTER] for carb-loading whilst listening—no one will judge!

And if you are a pizza pre-race kinda runner, then go and swap your miles for free pizza at the New Balance Pizza Co.!

Charlie Watson
@therunnerbeans

This is the day that is about you. Stay off your feet, prepare all your kit and start bags early in the day. If you need a shakeout then, go early, it will calm the nerves so you can just rest for the day. On your trip down to Staten Island, take your breakfast with you, keep it warm and consume [it] on the ferry or on the bus ride down. That way you can keep your breakfast at the same time. Don’t go overboard with bagels at the start area. Just stick to what you’ve practiced.

Find a spot in the start area, use the time to visualize your race and take in your surroundings before heading for a warmup. It’s essential you take some warm clothes and blankets that you can donate to charity. Once it’s time to go to the corrals you will feel ready to go and want to start the race. You have ample time to focus.

Amrit Ghatora
@amritpalghatora

Just relax and breathe! Get excited for what will be an amazing and memorable day. Avoid doing or trying anything new. A huge meal the night before is a myth—have carbs, some protein, and avoid too much dairy or spicy food.

Hydrate with electrolytes the day before and the morning of. Plan your race breakfast ahead of time, and bring extra layers to stay warm before the start of the race. Write your name on your bib for extra crowd support. Line up loose, start easy, remember your pacing and nutrition, and finish strong.

Raj Hathiramani
@runwithraj

It’s Sunday morning and you’re heading out to Staten Island to participate in one of the greatest marathons in the world. Naturally, you’ll be anxious to start and perhaps wondering if you’re actually prepared to tackle 26.2 miles through the five boroughs.

The good news is you won’t be alone on your journey to the finish line! Let the crowds keep you moving and your fellow runners inspire you! There’s nothing quite like the TCS New York City Marathon.

Jonathan Greenwald
@runthesix

Limit your social screen time. We're all so attached to our phones and social media, but I say watch this video (it's my favorite marathon-related video on the whole internet, and you will get chills and cry), and then consider shutting it down for a few hours. Watch your favorite show on Netflix (I vote “Schitt's Creek”), listen to your favorite playlist (consider a calming one rather than a high-octane one, to help keep you feeling chill), and put your feet up.

You've done the work. Now relax, and visualize the victory lap.

Alison Feller
@aliontherun1

My advice for the day before the marathon is very simple, but not easy to put in practice. Don’t think too much about the marathon! Rest your legs, eat many carbs, but don’t think too much about the race. Try to relax. If you want to drink a beer, do that, if you want to have a glass of wine over dinner, do that. The mind, as does the body, needs to be well-rested and relaxed the following day, so don’t stress out too much. The next day will be one of the most extraordinary days of your life!

Nico Briamonte
@nbrmnt