According to running coach Mindy Solkin, owner of The Running Center, there are three types of marathon runners: participants, those who stop and take pictures with their families and have no particular finish-time goal; runners, those who train methodically and may have an ambitious goal, but who also want to enjoy the entire marathon experience; and racers, those entrants who traverse the 26.2 miles for only one reason—to achieve the best finish they possibly can. Most of the 4,000 people who will line up for the big event on November 11 fall into the first two categories. And, while the crowd may be awed by the top competitors who fly by at 5-minute-per-mile paces, those thousands of spectators stick around for hours in all weather conditions. Why? Because they’re awed by you, too.
Use the outpouring of support from the crowd. Plan on tuning in to the cheers. Knowing how to use the crowd can help you get through rough patches and help you maintain your pace and concentration. Here’s what the spectators will provide:
Distraction: Although you should keep your focus on what and how your body is doing, allowing yourself to experience the stimuli around you will help you manage and, to some degree, escape the physical tribulation of marathoning. So make a plan to look around during the race. Take in the size of the crowd, how noisy they are, and what they’re yelling. You’ll be happier for it.
A positive boost: What do marathon crowds look like? You’ll find out come race day. Clapping, cheering, blasting music—this crowd is there to keep you revved up and energized. Take the cheering personally (and there’s no reason not to) so that the crowd’s positive energy carries you through rough patches of disheartenment and fatigue.
Mileage management: The marathon covers a daunting distance. The best way to navigate it mentally is to break it down into manageable chunks—the first five miles, the first bridge, mile-marker 10, and so on the Interactive Course Tour will help you). But your best resource for breaking down or “chunking” the distance may be your personal fans, the ones who turn out specifically to see you. Make sure you know exactly where they’ll be standing (which street corner, which side of the street), and give them an estimate, based on your pace, of when you’ll pass by.
You can help your fans estimate your arrival times by giving them a Pace Band from www.marathonguide.com; or plan on seeing them at the three party zones on the course. Then, let your friends and family serve as your own landmarks. Knowing that familiar faces will be beaming at you at specific, pre-arranged places on the course will give you something to look forward to as you cover the miles in-between.
How not to use the crowd: Do not accept fluids except at official Richmond Marathon fluid stations, or any food except from the Cliff Shots provided by the marathon(unless you have your family members providing you something). Also, although you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so, think twice about high-fiving anybody. “It’s a total energy waster,” says Solkin. “It’s also really unsanitary.” Keep in mind, after a marathon you may be more susceptible to colds and flu while your body recuperates from the race. Accept smiles and cheers, but keep your hands to yourself! (Note from Michael. . . it is hard to pass up a high five from a screaming six year old, but use your best judgement)
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