From Rome with Cobblestones

This is the sign that is at the Rome Marathon finish line. Not really, you won't need a sign to tell you to take off your shoes. That's if after 26.2 miles you can actually remove your shoes and what is left of your socks.

I spoke with a friend of mine who has run over 50 marathons around the world including the Rome Marathon. She mentioned the race is a lot of fun and the sites along the course are right out of the travel magazines. Some of the famous views you get to soak in on the course is the Coliseum, the Vatican, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain plus a book more of famous locations. And the most famous part of the marathon is not those fabulous locations but the COBBLESTONES. Yes, the COBBLESTONES that line the course for the final six miles. There is nothing you can do but stick it out to the finish. As some of us who have participated in marathons know once you get to the final push nothing will stop you from crossing that finish line and getting your medal.

She also mentioned the start is very crowded and chaotic. So stay together with your group and take your time getting across the start. If you are slower runner position yourself on the left or right side of the corral so you don't get run over. With close to 25,000 entrants in the marathon, you can easily get pushed or stepped on from people around you.

As I mentioned before have a plan for the race. Pick out certain mileage markers to meet up with your support group and take your cell phone. Your cell will come in handy if you have adjusted your pace and need to notify your family members.

Remember, pack your race clothes, shoes and all the marathon documentation in your carry-on. Do not take the chance and pack them in your checked luggage. The last stress you need besides missing luggage is all your race paraphernalia also gone MIA.

Do pack some large plastic trash bags. You can wear them on the course for all types of weather and once you warm up it is a simple peel and toss.

Just think, one week from tonight we will all be done and celebrating at one of many fabulous restaurants in the Eternal City.

Good luck to everyone and bring home a medal!!

Don't forget to check out my fitness tips at Self-size.com. And I will be blogging until I get on the plane and throughout my time in Rome. So definitely come back and be part of roman history with all of us.

Arrivederci,
Angie of Trevi

ROME WEATHER: Monday thru Thursday, rain with the high in the hi 50's and the lows in the mid-40's.

Race Day: High 64, Low 45. 10% Precip