Ask any college student what makes a great party and the pre-game will probably be mentioned. Every great party includes hours of getting ready, applying makeup, and listening to music. Well, Sunday’s marathon was the biggest party I’ve ever been to and therefore the pre-game was EPIC!

Leslie and I started pre-gaming five hours early at the crazy hour of 5:40am. Unfortunately, both Leslie and I were up multiple times during the night making sure our alarms were set and that we weren’t oversleeping. Unfortunately, daylight savings time was not a blessing but instead confusing and stressful. Unfortunately, every alarm was hooked up to a satellite/digital clock or a cell phone. Therefore we couldn’t manually change the time before the 2am change.

Luckily, at 5:45 we woke up and started getting ready. The morning was easier since we both organized marathon piles the night before. Our piles included our plastic bags for Staten Island filled with fuel, Gatorade, water, magazines, gloves, Advil, and extra layers. Marathon tip #1: Make sure to pack plenty of layers for the wait. It’s always better to have extra layers to share than be cold. Cold muscles aren’t happy muscles! Our favorite race day layer were the pastel fleece robes we bought at CVS the night before. They were inexpensive, long, and WARM!

After covering our bodies in Glide, we quickly dressed and pinned our bibs on our shirts. We were all smiles even though we couldn’t believe our start time was still hours away.

We decided that we didn’t want to eat too early. Therefore, we made peanut butter and banana sandwiches to go and also grabbed a bar for the ride. Just like our long runs, we decided we’d each eat our sandwich an hour out from our start time. Marathon Pre-Game Tip #2: Make sure you fuel in a similar way to how you trained. You should eat a similar meal and within a similar time window as your long runs. The marathon should be just like another long run.

After a few swigs of Gatorade, we grabbed our bags and headed out the door just after 6:15. We were going to take the subway down to the Staten Island Ferry but were greeted by a taxi cab when we stepped out the door. This option seemed to easy and stress free to pass up. Marathon Pre-Game tip #3: Keep your morning as stress free as possible.

Within minutes, we saw the neon blue Staten Island Ferry sign and many fellow runners.  Leslie and I were lucky enough to both be assigned the Staten Island ferry as our transportation method for the marathon. The ferry was far more pleasant and fun than a boring bus!

We were immediately surrounded by thousands of other runners, all staying warm in throw away jackets, sweatshirts, and hats. Our sassy fleece robes quickly became a fan favorite.  People kept joking with us, asking if we were here to sleep or run. They also helped break the ice with fellow runners and begin fun conversations. There were so many friendly and interesting runners there all gathered in the ferry terminal. Within a few minutes the ferry arrived and we chose to hop on it instead of waiting in the warmth. We wanted to reach our destination so we wouldn’t feel rushed.

The ferry was crowded but not as packed as we were expecting.

Leslie and I were able to easily secure a balcony rail spot which provided gorgeous views! We spoke with fellow runners on the balcony, talking about barefoot running, favorite races, and our nerves. It was chilly but we had a great time taking pictures and meeting other runners. Marathon Pre-Game Tip #4: Enjoy your pre-race time as much as possible as this will help fend off the nervous energy!

Clearly we funneled our nervous energy into a breezy photo shoot and lots of pictures. Our pre-game wardrobe was comfortable and pretty in pastels!

Seeing the Verrazano Bridge from the ferry made the race seem very real. Within four hours I would cross the first of five bridges on my path towards completing my first marathon!  We went inside for the rest of the ferry ride as the cold wind was blowing through our layers straight to the bones.

Inside, we found a spot on the ground where we could relax our legs, stay warm, and get each other pumped about the amazing marathon!

Like my furry accessory? One of our balcony friends gave it to me as an extra layer which I enjoyed all morning! It may be hideous but boy it was warm.

Soon a loud horn and lots of excited runners let us know we’d reached Staten Island.

Leslie and I were very smart and chose to relax in the ferry terminal for an hour. We grabbed a seat in the waiting area right near other runners and the restroom. We spent an hour relaxing with magazines, talking to other runners, and even having a few blogger sightings (HI Betsy!). I still can’t understand why so many runners hurried over to the village with hours to spare.

After a last minute bathroom break, we headed out to the buses.

The bus ride was uneventful but the views were gorgeous as we headed towards the marathon village.

Within minutes we were at the start line and the village. We were both in the green village which kept us far more sane since we didn’t have to split up. The village was a chaotic MAD HOUSE!  While the marathon committee and NYRR did an amazing job with transportation, the village was lacking. The signage was plentiful but the loud speakers weren’t loud enough and only caused further confusion.

We followed the signs to our corral and found a warm curb to enjoy some fuel.

At this point, Leslie feasted on her breakfast and I enjoyed a Clif bar snack and some watered down Gatorade since my start was still 2 hours away.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have long to relax because we saw runners rushing towards corrals.  Immediately, we realized that we’d missed the announcement for Wave 1 due to all the chaos. I gave Leslie a huge hug and sent her on her way. Unfortunately, the corral police were VERY strict and wouldn’t let her in. Pre-Game Marathon Tip #5: Make sure to know exactly how early your corral closes!

Luckily, they promised her she could hop in the 2nd wave. With a hug and a smile, I headed back over to the corral area to find a spot in the sun. The sun was SO much warmer than the shade. While waiting, I met an adorable Mexican marathoner who was running his 23rd NYC marathon! He gave me some great advice and told me about his past experiences. Pre-Game Marathon Tip #6 Make friends with your fellow partiers. They can provide great tips and also help get you psyched for the party.

From our spot we were able to watch Leslie’s wave head over the bridge! Unfortunately, I couldn’t see her yellow hat but I was certainly cheering for her!!

A few minutes later I had to hug my new friend goodbye, give a quick thumbs up, and run for the corral!

Pre-Game Marathon Tip #7 Keep smiling!!!

I couldn’t believe my weeks of training and long runs had finally culminated in my first marathon! I said the Lord’s Prayer as I walked towards the corral gate, and gave myself the sign of the cross three times. When I was growing up, my father always gave me the sign of the cross three times before a big test, big trip, or stressful moment. This small comfort brought solace to my nerves and helped calm me as I walked towards the corral. It also helped me funnel my parents since they couldn’t be in NYC for the race.

Pre-Game Marathon Tip #8 stay calm by enjoying a few moments of silence focusing on your training and loved ones who have supported you along the way.

A few more steps led me through the chain link fence into green corral #60.

Soon, there was only a minute left until the start and each runner turned to their peer wishing them good luck.

Want to hear how the pre-game prepared me for my largest party ever with over 45,000 of my closest friends? Tune in tomorrow!