Former Olympian Offers Tips For Grandma's Marathon Runners
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The 39th annual Grandma's Marathon is happening this Saturday in Duluth.
WCCO MidMorning received some tips from former Olympian Carrie Tollefson.
"It's a blast," said Tollefson. "It's Minnesota at its best with people from all over the world coming to race. It's just a great small town feel but a world class event."
But whether it's your first or your 50th, marathon day can be a little nerve racking.
"What I do to calm my nerves is to visualize the race beforehand," said Tollefson. "We want to make sure we're thinking through race day, have your uniform all planned out."
This year could require a little extra planning with rain in the forecast.
"You have to still stay hydrated," said Tollefson. "A lot of people think if it's cool and rainy you don't have to hydrate as much. Hydrate before and the few days leading up to it."
Tollefson says to bring garbage bags for sitting on before the race starts.
"I would have a rain jacket; I'd have a hat with a bill so you can cover your face," said Tollefson. "I'd have some gloves and maybe an extra pair of socks. Little things like that to make sure you're dry when you start the race and stay warm."