The definitive pre-marathon checklist

1. Are you now able to run a farther distance than from the car to the house?

2. Are your running shoes, running gear and bag ready and without holes or snags that would make you look anything but amazing? Please note: it is crucial that you are not wearing your shoes, jock strap or sports bra for the first time on the day of the race. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

3. Review the weather forecast from now up to and including the morning you are going to be running. I prefer to read Barry Lynn’s forecast. Plan your outfit accordingly.

4. Check to see where there is nearby parking and what time the streets close on the day of the marathon. You can find that information on the marathon home page.

5. Wait, forget #5! There is no way in hell that you are moving your car out of its parking spot after 6 a.m. on the day of the marathon. So forget it. Plan a walking route.

6. Harass all of your Facebook friends by asking them to support you in your run. For instance, let’s just say that you were running for Team Shalva. So you ask them multiple times a day to donate to Shalva by clicking on the link to your Sponsor profile.

7. Go to the Expo by Binyanei Ha’uma and pick up your running package for the marathon. Make sure that your T-shirt, number and chip are inside; without these items you will be considered an imposter or you will be deemed unprofessional — even after you spent all of your rent money on cool running gear.

8. Make a list of the items you want to bring with you to the race. You will want to hold on to your your jacket as long as possible since it’s supposed to be freezing and rainy on Friday. You won’t want to have it on you once you start running so try to check your items at the coat check as close to the race as possible.

9. The bathroom situation: Eat lots of, but not too many, carbohydrates and get a good night’s sleep. Don’t eat high fiber foods the night before or drink strong coffee the morning of. There are very few bathrooms and NO toilet paper! Make sure to bring toilet paper. Also, bring enough rolls so that you can spare some squares for the runners who unfortunately haven’t read my checklist.

10. Make sure you know where all the pre- and post-race parties are.

11. Don’t forget to set your alarm and have a back-up alarm planned just in case (remember Jean-Paul).

12. Now rest up until the marathon. Contemplate life and love, and play with the fluff between your toes.

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Click here to sponsor Devora’s run with Team Shalva this Friday.