UPMC Offers Late-Stage Training Tips for Pittsburgh Marathon Runners


By: Cyndy Patton and Rick Pietzak


Marathon weekend is a month away.

Dr. Aaron Mares, a sports medicine physician at UPMC Sports Medicine and associate medical director for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, recently spoke with Cyndy Patton from UPMC to discuss some training tips for runners.

Mares also recommends following the guidelines below before the race to help prevent discomfort and optimize performance during your run.

  • Apply sweat-resistant sunscreen to prevent sunburn and Vaseline or BodyGlide to prevent chafing in key locations like armpits, nipples and inner thighs.
  • After getting dressed, weigh yourself (this will help to measure your post-race fluid balance).
  • Confirm that all contact information on your bib is complete and correct.
  • Keep your warm-up brief to loosen your muscles yet conserve energy.
  • Address problems early. A poorly tied shoe, chafing skin or a pebble in your shoe could result in injury over time.
  • Relax. It is normal to feel nervous the morning of the race. Have faith in all of your hard work and preparation. Feel confident that you can achieve your goals. Enjoy the marathon experience.

Runners can visit UPMC Sports Medicine’s marathon-running website for tips on marathon training, preparation and recovery. For additional training tips and other information about UPMC Sports Medicine’s involvement in the Pittsburgh Marathon, follow @UPMCSportsMed on Twitter.