Erica at NYC Shakeout Art Run before the 2017 NYC Marathon. Photo by Marques Jackson.

Everyone has a thing. Mine is the New York City Marathon. I ran it for the first time in 1996, and this year will be my 20th time running. I’m a 15+ runner. I ran 15 times before 2014, so I’m guaranteed entry for life. This also makes me an excellent resource for first time NYC marathoners. I’m sharing my top 5 NYC Marathon tips – actually it’s more like five sections of tips.

1. Pre-Race - Sleep in the City that Never Sleeps...

Chill Out. The city never sleeps, but you should. It’s so tempting to walk all over, see everything, eat everything, check out the course... you get the picture. Just relax. The city is a concrete jungle and there are many hills and inclines. If you walk all over, your legs won't be fresh.
Shake it out. If you like to do a shake-out run on Saturday, join me and Runstreet at the NYC Shake Out Run. It’s 5K and we check out all of the awesome street art. It’s totally chill, a great way to meet other runners and to get great photos for the ‘gram.
Forget to bring anything? You can get it at the expo (or hopefully near your hotel). Pick up or bring a trash bag or old blanket to sit on and/or wear and don't forget your throw away clothes.
Need some extra cheers? Write your name on masking tape and put it on your shirt or bib (if you haven't already gotten a fancier version made).
The wait is long before the marathon, pack a magazine or newspaper. Some toilet paper and tissues will also come in handy.
Know where your friends and family will be specifically. Know the mile/corner/side of the street. Memorize your fan locations – it gives you something to look forward to!
Lay out your clothes and shoes and bib and chip and everything you need the night before. You don't want to be looking all over for things in the morning. It’s an early start.

2. Race Morning. Be Like a Scout - Be Prepared, Alert and Friendly...

Set an alarm and a back-up alarm. It is daylight savings time, but don't risk it.
Don't try anything new!
Have a plan for getting to the ferry or bus. If you are not familiar with it, practice it beforehand.
Find a buddy. If you are going to the race alone, make a friend on the bus or ferry. It’s easy. Runners are nice and everyone is jazzed up.
Go early but not too early. For the first wave, I typically take the 6:00 or 6:15 ferry.
Pay attention to signs and find your start area, porta potties and find a place to sit/relax. Listen for announcements. When they say to get to the corral - go to the corral even though it seems too early!

3. The Course. Know Before You Go and Watch Out For Common Pitfalls.

The first mile will be slow (uphill) and the second mile will be fast (downhill) - don't worry about it. Then from mile two on watch your pace. It’s easy to get excited and you’ll pay for that in the last 10K!
It’s easy to get pulled in the beginning and feel like you are slowing down with people passing you. Pay attention. This will matter in the second half. Ask me how I know.
Mile 8 after the merge in Brooklyn is the BEST! Enjoy my favorite mile.
There are no spectators on the Queensboro Bridge. It is quiet and stoic. Take a moment to feel centered. Take some deep breaths. Work on a steady pace. Use your arms. Channel your training. Passing instead of getting passed on the bridge always make me feel amazing.
Watch your pace on 1st Avenue (miles 16-20). When you come into Manhattan, the crowd is amazing and it is easy to race up 1st Ave. It’s slightly uphill and easy to bonk if you overdo it, so just cruise and take in all of the energy. I sometimes run in the middle of the street if I get too overwhelmed by the crowds.
The course is crowded and the roads are not always well paved so watch your footing.

4. The Head Game. Don't Forget: "Whether You Think You Can, Or You Think You Can't, You're Right."

Have a mantra. Mine is "My kind of race. My kind of day."
Check out the tone and tenor of the crowd. It’s different by borough. You’ll see some cool stuff. Brooklyn is really a melting pot!
If you get discouraged, talk to someone in the race, look around, remind yourself of why you are there and just keep going!
Smile! When things feel really tough (and they will) smile. There’s scientific evidence that smiling makes the perception of exertion lower. Try it! It works!

The most important marathon advice I’ve ever received is “HAVE FUN!!” Remember, you paid for this. They did not pay you.

5. Post Race. Savor Your Success!

You have to walk really far. You’ll be grateful for it the next day. I promise. Just. Keep. Moving.
Pick a meet up spot. It’s great to pick a bar or coffee shop so spectators can stay warm and you can get warm (and get a celebratory drink or treat.)
Congratulate other runners and enjoy the love of New Yorkers. It’s the best day in the city.
Celebrate! You did it! NYC is not an easy course. It may be your best, your worst or somewhere in between. Now is the time to celebrate your accomplishment. You can do the post-mortem later.
Get ready for next year!

Good luck to all of the runners and thank you to all of the supporters along the way!

Erica Agran is the blogger behind Erica Finds (EricaFinds.com). She’s an avid runner, traveler and healthy “finder” living in Chicago. She’s about to run her 50th marathon in Chicago and her 20th NYC Marathon. Check out her Instagram (@EricaAgran) for running inspiration, the best new healthy products and great views from her window. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.