Marathon Tips
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Every marathoner has a little bit of anxiety and that jittery feeling of anticipation before they arrive at starting line. Each marathon is a different experience with some similarities. Knowing a little bit of what to expect can help you relax and visualize what you are about to accomplish.

Let me walk you through the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon course and offer tips that should help relieve some of the pre race tensions.

Wake up call : Adrenaline will help you overcome your lack of sleep the night before. The good news is that you get an extra hour to toss and turn thanks to daylight savings.

Parking your car: Nearer to Ford Field or at your local hotel is better than the starting area. Your legs are fresh before you begin the race and walking will help to loosen up. After the race, you'll want to get to your car a lot quicker.

The starting area: Now that Washington Avenue has been renovated, the marathon should have its best start location. There are people movers stations at each end. This is makes it convenient if you arrive from any nearby parking lot or hotel.

Baggage claim: Pack your gear bag beforehand and plan to drop it off at baggage claim at the north end of the starting area. Do it before the rush prior to the start. Remember to print your number boldly on your bag making retrieval easier back at Ford Field.

Before the start: Plan to wear clothing over your racing outfit that you can throw away. A plastic garbage bag will suffice, unless you want to look more stylish in an old t-shirt or paper jacket.

Dual starting line: Marathoners will start on the west side of the boulevard. Relay teams, half marathon runners and walkers are on the eastside. This should significantly improve the time it takes to cross the timing mats. Participants will also be assigned to a corral, taking the guess work out of deciding where to place yourself with similarly paced runners.

Porta Johns: Are always a concern for nervous runners. There will be significantly more behind the start line. If you still need some relief after the gun goes off look for a handful on Michigan Avenue a few blocks before Tiger Stadium.

The Heat is on: By the time you've run through Mexican Village and reached the Ambassador Bridge you'll want to shed your junk clothes. Look for a Goodwill drop box.

The Bridge: It's the steepest hill in the course but it comes early in the race. The view is lovely and if the clouds don't get in the way you'll witness an awesome sunrise. Look for fireboat spray down below and don't blink or you'll might miss the flyover above you.

Hit your pace in Windsor: You've reached the riverfront and you're looking back at Detroit's skyline. By now you should be settled into a good pace. Ladies check out the firemen after you round the corner at Goyeau.

The Tunnel: Half Marathon walkers shouldn't have a problem reaching the Detroit Windsor Tunnel this year. The race starts twenty minutes earlier. You're almost a half mile closer to the entrance and the Tunnel Corporation is leaving the entrance open to runners until 9:45 am. Otherwise it's hop on the bus Gus.

Last year it was discovered that some medical procedures, such as an MRI a few weeks before the race, might set of security alarms. Yellow bands will be provided at the fitness expo to runners that may be in this position.

Hot and Cold: Inside the tunnel you will start to get warm. Don't throw away those hat and gloves just yet. You will still need them after you come out.

The only underwater mile: Timing mats will records your time in the tunnel. Race certificates will display it but don't pick up the pace just yet.

Cobo Center: You've just passed the welcome back crowd, now it will be time for the entertainment and spirit stations to take over. Look for the inflatable Turkey Trot turkeys under the Atwater overhang.

Sixth Street Bridge: It's the last little hill in the course and there is lots of excitement ahead. Use your mantra words such as relax and be patient.

Corktown: If you missed seeing this area on your way out you get a second opportunity during mile 11.

Campus Martius and Compuware: At the first Woodward Avenue turn look up at one of Detroit's dazzling pieces of architecture. Look to the right and you'll see the marathoners heading to mile 14. Half marathoners that still have something in the tank should think about picking up the pace.

Fox Theatre district: Half marathoners will be splitting from the full ones at this juncture. Both will be inspired by Mitch Ryder and the Wheels as the pass by one of the city's gems.

Rock Around the Clock at the Hard Rock: Bill Haley's Comets will help you gage your pace as only marathoners and relay runners cross this point.

Room with a view: Last year's newest twist is back. The 15 th mile offers a towering tableau of the Ren Cen before heading eastbound along Atwater.

Grab your GU: Before you get to the billowing canopies of Chene park plan to down one of the many flavors of GU gel for a boost. Only the banana flavor is caffeine free.

Help on the course: Belle Isle is just a few steps away and if you need some minor medical help there are first aid tents before and after the park.

Out and back II: Runners will cheer each other on across the MacArthur Bridge, both coming and going. Stay focused on your way past the 20 mile mark. Hitting the wall is a myth if you've done the training and paced yourself properly.

Bad patches come and go: Don't let a mile of feeling uncomfortable ruin your entire race. You shall overcome.

Indian Villagers: They can't wait for you to arrive so they can share in your accomplishment. Just don't stay to long at their party or drink all their beer.

Long Lafayette stretch: You've almost reached your goal. It will seem easier if you've taken a tour of this section prior to the race. Visualizing the finish line makes a difference.

The sights and smells of Greektown: Last year runners got a taste of the Greeks. Now they will be able to run right under the blue and white flags.

The best is yet to come: Brush Street will offer a straighter shot to the Ford Field finish. Football players aren't the only ones to perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Runners will cross the thirty yard line as spectators look up and down from the Jumbotron. This isn't your typical marathon finish. Take in the ambiance, smile for the finish line cameras and think of the free massage as you walk up the stadium steps.

Display your medal with pride: You earned it. It's your very own championship ring and a symbol of personal accomplishment.