Blog

By: Cara Group, P3Runner

You’ve followed your training plan, battled through long runs in the sun, rain, and snow (sometimes all on the same day!) and now the big weekend is finally here! The energy and excitement of the weekend is so much fun - now it is time to make a plan for your approach.

Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo

First & foremost - Make sure that you leave enough time to explore the expo. In addition to packet pick up, there are so many things to see and buy!

Do you need to stock up on nutrition for the race? Nuun Hydration is my go-to! Check out their booth to try out some new flavors.

What about fun Pittsburgh themed swag? T-Shirts with the essentials: Pierogies, bridges, and running.

I go to the expo on Friday for two reasons: I’m running in the Steel Challenge & need to pick up my 5k bib for Saturday and it tends to be a little less crowded.

Of special note - If you are running in Steel Challenge, have VIP status, or are a charity runner running the back half, make sure your bib looks okay and has the right stickers on it. Do that before you leave the expo.

UPMC Health Plan / UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run, Chik-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, Sheetz Pittsburgh Toddler Trot, Pittsburgh Pet Walk

Saturday is a busy day that is full of fun things. I love doing the Steel Challenge and taking part in the 5k on Saturday morning. I use it as a shake out run on that day, but it is also a great goal race.

Stick around and cheer on the Kids of Steel as they run the kids marathon before heading to Point Park for the Toddler Trot and Pet Walk!

On Saturday, I also try to relax and eat well. As much as I love visiting the expo, I try to avoid it on Saturday, so that I can rest my feet. However, if there is something crucial that you’ve forgotten you can most likely pick it up at the expo. I recently needed IT band straps prior to a race, so I purchased some the day before and it saved my race the next day!

Have you thought about what your plan for food and nutrition is on Marathon Weekend? Is pasta or pizza part of your night before routine? Find something that is filling and that works for you - everyone has different nutritional requirements!

Hydration – drink some water (or maybe some Nuun)!

Flat-Lay - one of my traditions before a big race is laying out all of my items that I plan to take with me. Include it all and share a picture on your social media (pro-tip - cover your bib number in photos). #MOVEpittsburgh

Make sure your alarms are set and try to get some sleep!

Sunday - DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay

The Big Day is HERE!

Hop out of bed and eat your pre-race breakfast.

Mine is: drink Nuun Prime, sometimes a Honey Stinger Cracker Bar, a little coffee.

How are you getting to the race?

• Driving - make sure you check out the road closures and timings. There are some garages that are easier to get to than others because of traffic from all of the runners as well as the road closures.
• Uber/Lyft - great option to get you as close as they can and then walk the rest of the way.
• Port Authority - buses and the T run on special schedules on Marathon Sunday - check their website for more details.

FedEx Gear Check - Perfect for stowing a change of clothes as well other necessities for after the race. Bring your clear bag (it will be given to you at packet pick-up). Don’t put valuables in there.

Take your pre-race photos with friends and do your last preparations! Pace yourself and have an amazing race.

After the Race

CONGRATULATIONS - you are a Runner of Steel! You Did It! Take selfies with your medal (post them on social media for #MedalMonday). Enjoy your Eat’n Park cookie and the Finish Line Festival powered by Cleveland Brothers at Point State Park!

Pro Tip - there are many amazing places to get brunch in Pittsburgh. I recommend making reservations ahead of time if you want to celebrate over brunch on either Saturday or Sunday.