Each autumn, tens of thousands of runners wrap up a year of training with a 26.2-mile run. I recently finished the Twin Cities Marathon in 3 hours, 27 minutes. Here are five tips on how I made it to the finish line. 1. Wear big shoes. I run with shoes one size too large. You can lace them tight enough to fit, and the extra room keeps blisters and black toenails away.
2. Lube your feet. To combat blisters, I use the ointment Hydropel ($19, www.argear.com). Smear it across your toes and glop it on your heel to keep from chafing.
3. Tape hot spots. Bring a piece of duct tape. The moment you feel a hot spot developing on your foot, stop and apply the tape as a layer of protection.
4. Take electrolyte tablets. One is the equivalent of downing a small glass of Gatorade. Endurolytes ($17, www.hammernutrition.com) have been crucial for me to stay cramp-free.
5. Eat. Consuming calories from energy gels or other sources is almost as important as hydration. If your stomach can handle it, consume 100 or more calories an hour to stay energized and fast.
STEPHEN REGENOLD
Stephen Regenold writes a daily blog on outdoors gear at www.gearjunkie.com.
