Frequent visitors of my site know that I’m a major supporter of all things New York City; it’s the main focus of this site, after all. The city has so many different and wonderful things that make it an amazing place to live and visit. One such element is its ability to foster runners. The NYC TCS Marathon is the world’s largest marathon, with twists and turns tracking throughout the City’s five boroughs. Tens of thousands of runners from around the country participate in the marathon, allowing for like-minded individuals to collaborate and enjoy each other’s company.

If you’re considering participating in this year’s marathon, and you’ve never done so before, it may seem a bit daunting. Luckily, I’ve decided to share a few tips and tricks that you can utilize to your advantage.

Get Off Your Feet (The Day Before)

Obviously, you’ll be doing a lot of running at the marathon. This will take a pretty large toll on your body, particularly your legs and feet. So, it is wise to avoid standing on your feet the day before the marathon. How can you do that? Well, you should probably take the day off and relax as much as possible. Stay at home, watch a movie and just take it easy because you are going to feel the burn the next day. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to plan what you’re going to do directly after the marathon.

Dress Appropriately

The marathon always takes place in November, and while it isn’t guaranteed to snow or be frigid, chances are the weather will be brisk. So you’ll want layers. Make sure to bring a light coat that you can maneuver in. Bonus points if you donate your coat to one of the donation boxes that are situated at the starting station. In that case, just buy a cheap coat before the marathon and practice your philanthropic endeavors while running.

Don’t Overwork Yourself

If this is your first marathon, it’s highly recommended that you start off slowly. Don’t think you’re going to prove something to the other participants and take off with all of your energy. You are going to regret. Multiple participants have made this mistake and they’ve had to learn their lesson the hard way.