Notes for the First Time Runner and Reminders for the Seasoned Veteran Runner
by: Les Wright, Race Director Lake Tahoe Marathon

 

1. Clip your toenails a few days before you run.
2. Pin your race bib on the front of your running shirt before you go to bed.
3. Race photographers need to see your race number to identify you and mail you your proofs or post to the internet..
4. Wear new socks.
5. Pin energy gel on to your waistband if you do not have pockets.
6. Pack extra safety pins in your race bag.
7. Have some money in your pocket. An acquaintance had to drop out of the Paris Marathon last April and didn’t have any money for a cab, bus, or phone call. Tuck or pin a $20 and $1 bill into your  pocket.
8. Double tie your shoelaces.
9. Use your motel room bathroom just before you leave for the bus.
10. Line up at the back of the pack and start slow. Do not start in the front and go out too fast with the rabbits and then act as a road block to those behind you.
11. Walkers definitely must start at the back.
12. Walkers should stay on the shoulder of the road and not block faster runners approaching  from later starts.
13. In most races, when you cross the finish line, someone will tear of the bottom portion of your race bib tag and match it with the computer time.
14. Some races  use an electronic "chip" that records your start and finish. The chip sends an electronic signal to the timers computer when you step on the special pad at the start and finish and other spots on the race course. You must tie this chip on your shoe lace with the provided loop. It will be snipped off your shoe after the race. You will be charged $30 if you lose it or do not return it. Some folks pick up the chip at the Expo and then may not run for what ever reason and do not get to turn in the chip. It is your responsibility to return in to the race director or timing company. Lake Tahoe will  use chip timing in 2006.
15. Be sure you tie your chip on your own shoe, being careful not to mix your chip up with your roommate.
16. In non chip races, after crossing the finish line Do Not pass up anyone until after you exit the  finish chute, nor let anyone pass you until after you have your tear off tag collected. or until you get out of the finish chute.
17. Always time yourself and maybe remember the persons number just behind you in case you "go missing in action" on the results sheet for some reason.
18. Put your warm up clothes into the provided numbered bag and then into the numbered boxes at the start line. They will be transported to the finish line for you to pick up after you finish the race.
19. I always write my name on the bag as well as my race number. After the Tucson Marathon I walked off with the wrong bag because the number was similar to mine and I was a little punchy.
20. Grab a bottle of water and drink plenty of fluids in general after the race to help speed your recovery.
21. Please thank the volunteers profusely, before, during and after, who work for yours thanks and appreciation (and the measly T-shirt the marathon gives them).
22. Wade into the cold lake  and cool off your feet. It will help them from swelling and speed your recovery.
23. Bring a pair of sandals to wear after the race and the next day.
24. Wear your medal proudly for the rest of the day and evening and on the plane home. You earned it.
25. Email me if I'm forgetting something that should be on this list.

 

Thanks for coming…. enjoy your new friends and have fun. 

Les Wright, Director