Getting Psyched to Run the Course

Tip #8 - Wednesday, October 14

The ING New York City Marathon, with its incomparable course and world-famous throngs of spectators, is a race like no other. Still, 26.2 miles is a long way to run. How will you maintain the physical and mental resolve to go the daunting distance?

Join a team -- an ING DIRECT Pace Team Presented by Timex, that is. It's free, and you can sign up at the ING DIRECT Pace Team booth at the expo from October 29 to 31. You'll run with other marathoners and a team leader who share your finish-time goal. You'll follow a pace team leader who will run the marathon at an even per-mile pace. You’ll also soak up motivation from the others in your team.

Divide and conquer the distance. Break the course into segments and then focus only on the part you're running. Mile or kilometer markers, telephone poles, buildings, fluid stations - the course is full of focus goals, so use them! Read about the course.

Enjoy the course changes. This year's course has several changes that will streamline the route, eliminate a hairpin turn, steer runners through a Brooklyn park, and add just under half a mile in the Bronx. Result: A slightly faster course with more variety and greenery.

Embrace the entertainment. There will be 132 entertainment acts along the course, including 15 Entertainment Zone stages at the start, along the course, and at the finish.

Look for special happenings:

Poland Spring Hydration Zone. Take this special opportunity to rehydrate and refresh with a water-dipped sponge in a Poland Spring environment at mile 17. (Poland Spring Brand Natural Spring Water and Gatorade Endurance Formula lemon-lime flavor will be available at the start and at official fluid stations every mile beginning at mile 3.)

PowerGel Energy Zone. Grab a PowerGel (assorted flavors available) at mile 18 to hurdle "the wall" and stay energized to the finish.