Participating in a virtual marathon or running the marathon distance on your own this year? Check out our tips below to help you best prepare to take on 26.2!
For those who are taking their virtual run to the Lakefront Trail during marathon weekend, CARA will be providing hydration stations on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11. Everyone is welcome!
Saturday, October 10
South Belmont Harbor: 6:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ohio St. Beach: 6:20 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
31st St. Beach: 6:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
47th St.: 7:00 a.m - 10:45 a.m.
63rd St. Beach: 7:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, October 11 South Belmont Harbor: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Ohio St. Beach: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 31st St. Beach: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Promontory Point: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Before Race Day
Plan Your Route: Ease stress and be race-day ready by planning out your run ahead of time. Consider where you want to start/finish your run, any bathroom stops you think you will need to make (keeping in mind that public restroom access is limited), any spots where friends and family may be able to cheer you on, and what type of route you want to run (out and back, loops, etc.). Mapping websites and apps like Map My Run are good tools to use when planning out your exact start and finish points.
Prep Your Race Gear: The day before your run, make sure you have everything laid out and ready to go! This will help ensure that you don’t miss any important items and so you can have a relaxed start to your morning.
Suggested items to have with you on race day include:
Phone
Watch or an app to track your mileage and time
ID or drivers license
Emergency contact information
Money or credit/debit card
Hydration bottle/pack/vest (check out our recommended hydration items here)
Nutrition (gels, chews, bars, etc.)
Band-Aids or blister pads
Layers - be sure to scope out the weather and prepare for any rain, cold temperatures, etc.
Mask or face cover if you may find yourself coming into close contact with others.
Pick Your Pacing Strategy: Thinking about how you want to tackle your miles ahead of time will help keep yourself on track during your run. You can keep it steady with even pacing or try the positive-split method to build into some faster miles. Consider what works best for the type of runner you are. If you need some guidance on pace per mile, you can check out our pace chart here.
On Race Day
Fuel Up and Stay Hydrated: Be sure to properly fuel up and hydrate before, during, and after your 26.2! You will want to have enough hydration and nutrition to sustain you throughout the entirety of your run. For those running on the Lakefront Trail, CARA will have hydration stations on October 10th and 11th for runners to refill their water and Gatorade bottles. For tips on how to prep for your miles and sustain your energy during your run, check out this nutrition blog.
Tell A Friend: To ensure your safety, make sure you communicate your race plan with a friend, partner, roommate, or family member! Let them know your planned route, estimated start/finish time, and how you plan on getting home.
Enjoy The Process: Have fun with your run and know that you have put in the time and training to accomplish your goals!
