Hi All,

Here's some tips for running the NYC Marathon. They are not in any order - sorry I'm not that organized this year!

You wait several hours in a running holding area in Staten Island (only runners..it is exciting)...so dress warm...bring extra clothes...and maybe some snacks. They have snacks there but the lines tend to be long. There's have a Church service (no demonition) in the morning under a tent. You can package clothes up at the race start area to have them waiting for you when you finish the marathon (they have all these UPS trucks waiting to take your bag). It is amazing how well organized they are. I was glad to have some warm dry clothes waiting for me at the end of the line. Wear some old stuff at the Fort and you can shed the old clothes just before the race gun goes off. It's so funny to see all the runners tossing clothes to the side when the race starts (and can be dangerous if you trip over the clothes. The scattered clothes are collected and given to shelters.

It is tradition that if you are running your first marathon (even if it's not your first - do this) to put your name somewhere on your shirt. The crowd along the way knows this tradition and will give you extra cheers and support..they call out your name...it is exciting to hear someone cheering for you. I'm decorating my shirt again this year.

If you can run teh upper level of the Verazanno. It's very cool. If you run the lower level, stay away from the water edge side of the bridge. Men on the upper level will stop to go to the bathroom instead of using a port-a-potty.

When you're on the Verazanno, you'll hear teh roar of the crowds, be prepared for that. It's very exiciting to hear the people cheering "Welcome to Brooklyn, 24 miles to go". Stay relaxed.  The crowds in Brookly are incredible.  They will be high-fiving you through-out Brooklyn.

At the end of the race, you'll get pictures taken, a medal, a goody bag with food, wrapped in a silver blanket for warmth and expect to walk for at least 20 min before you can go to the Family Reunion Area.

Pack clothes to change into for after the race - it will make you feel better.

Give your race/chip number out to your family and friends. They can track you during race. They also have athlete tracker where you can put in cell phone numbers/email address and your family/friends can how you're progressing throughout the race.

If you're planning on meeting family during the course, plan on places after the first 8 miles. Brooklyn is very crowded. The place that you set up to meet people, dont' change it or you will end up missing each other. You will also need to specifiy the side of the street that you're on right/left etc. Decide ahead which marker miles to be at and decide if you will be on the right or the left hand side of the road. Family members may want to hold a huge sign or a flag or balloons...something that stands out so that the person running can spot the family member. I think it is actually easier for the runner to spot the person than the other way around. Your family/friends can get aroudn teh city by subway. Get a map and plan it ahead of time.

Throughout the entire race there will be spectators on the entire course except for the bridges. It's not just 1 or 2 people, we're talking 10 deep, crowed, etc. You will occassionaly see someone cross the street, (I know, crazy) so be prepared for that.

Be careful at the aid stations. Cups get thrown down, it's sloppy, and SLIPPERY. So slow down through the aid stations.

Bring a small camera or a disposable camera to take pictures.

Try to stay relaxed and run your own race.

Meet your family/friends at the letter T for Team McGraw.  Don't meet at the letter of your last name - you'll have more walking to do.

Have a great run, a safe run, and enjoy the day, the crowds, the cheering and of course the sore muscles!

If I think of anything else, I'll add it.

Diane