As I am getting ready for the 118th Boston Marathon, I thought of a few tips that have been helpful to me during marathons that have late start times, and long waits at the starting line.  Here are just a few…

Sunscreen:

Anyone running the Boston Marathon needs to pack sunscreen!  The forecast is for “cool and sunny”.  You will have brilliant sunshine on your right side the whole time you are running, and because of the later start time, the sun will be at its peak during marathon hours.  Even though it will be cool, the sun will have some very strong rays at that time of the day.  Put sunscreen on your right side legs, arms, face…and don’t forget your ears!  Don’t bother even putting any on your left side, you will just be wasting it.

Staying Warm During the Wait:

Wondering how to handle the long wait for the bus ride out to Hopkinton and waiting at the start line??  Get rid of those old pajamas.  Dig out your winter pajama bottoms (or from a supportive family member!) and wear them over your short or tights for added warmth.  Find an old sweatshirt to wear on top. When you are ready to run you can shed the PJ’s and sweatshirt, and they will end up at a local charity.  For those cold fingers, when you are at the expo buy a pair of “Marathon Sports” gloves. As you start to warm up on your run, hand them off to a youngster and tell them to save them for “their first marathon”.