Hi Reader!
We are officially in countdown mode. The Chicago Marathon is 24 days away and my brain has fully switched into race prep (not to mention I’ll be traveling to Europe to spectate the Berlin Marathon in between). There's a growing pile of energy gummies on my kitchen counter, my calendar is color-coded around runs, and I've already started mentally laying out my flat runner.
And I know I'm not the only one! Fall marathon season is in full swing. Whether you're lining up for a World Major, a hometown race, or your very first 26.2, those start lines are coming up fast.
So this issue looks a little different. Instead of spotlighting one or two posts, I pulled together a full marathon prep roundup: first-timer advice, race morning timelines, a packing checklist, and yes, nail inspo.
Bookmark these posts and save this email. Future you, the night before your race, will thank you.
Let's get into it.
tl;dr
I know you're busy! If you want cut to the features without having to read the extra details, here are the links for these posts!
- Tips for First-Time Marathoners
- How to Pack for Your Marathon Race Day
-
How to Plan Your Race Day Like a Pro
- Marathon Race Day Strategies
- How to Make Marathon Race Day Special
- Marathon Manicure Inspiration
If you have a friend who would benefit from these tips, please forward this email!
Fall Marathon Prep Issue
Whether it's your first marathon or your fifteenth, these posts cover the rest of your race week to-do list.
Tips for First-Time Marathon Runners
This guide is everything I wish someone had handed me before my first race, from how to treat your long runs to why the first mile is the one to be most careful with.
Inside, you'll learn:
- The simple timer trick that keeps your fueling on track when you start to slow down
- Which night of sleep matters most before race day (hint: it's not the night before)
- How to handle start line adrenaline so you save energy for the final miles
👉 Read the First-Timer Guide
What to Pack for the Marathon
This checklist covers your race kit, post-race comfort, and weather surprises.
- The race kit essentials to lay out the night before
- Seasonal adds for chilly starts and warm finishes (fall weather is moody!)
- The post-race items your tired legs will thank you for
👉 Grab the Packing Checklist
Marathon Race Day Strategies
Race day is about executing your plan, not reinventing it. This post walks you through before, during, and after the race so nothing catches you off guard.
- My favorite ways to break up 26.2 miles mentally
- Why I talk out loud to myself in the first mile (and why it works)
- A quick race day checklist you can screenshot
👉 Get the Race Day Strategies
How to Plan Your Race Day Like a Pro
Expos, corrals, spectators, meet-up spots... marathon weekend has a lot of moving pieces. This one gives you timelines you can copy.
- A sample day-before schedule (including when to get off your feet)
- How to work backwards to set your race morning alarm
- How to help your cheer squad actually spot you on the course
👉 Plan Your Race Weekend
How to Make Marathon Race Day Special
You trained for months, so race day should feel like a celebration! These are my favorite ways to make the miles memorable.
- How to pick a race mantra (plus the one that helped me PR in Berlin)
- The best ways to put your name on your shirt so the crowd can cheer for you
- How to add a charity element, even if you're not on a charity bib
👉 Make Your Race Day Special
Marathon Manicure Inspiration
Hear me out: a race day manicure is one of my favorite pre-race traditions. You'll look at your hands more than you think over 26.2 miles!
- City-themed nail ideas for Chicago, NYC, and Berlin
- Quick options for when race week is too hectic for a salon visit
- How to keep your manicure chip-free through your finish line photos
👉 Get the Nail Inspo
Thank You So Much for Subscribing!
Thank you so much for being part of this community! I appreciate you being here and would love feedback! If you'd like to support this content, here are ways you can help!
- Know someone who could benefit from these tips? Forward this email to your friends and help this community grow! If you received this email from a friend and want to subscribe, they can join the mailing list here.
- Want to see a topic included in a future post? Reply to this message and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog in the future!
- Are you following on social? Check out the links for my Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest to stay connected!
See you on the run!
-Liz
