A Personal Touch

Whatever event your planning, whether it's a reunion, a sport event or a party, its the personal touches that really make a group feel connected to the event.  And I've found for a group, the best way to make everyone feel involved and pumped is to make t-shirts! 

The shirts don't have to be anything crazy...they just have to have a simple slogan/image that the group will understand.  The best is when it's an inside joke that only you will get, making all those who are viewing them even more jealous!

Every time I have created t-shirts, the reaction has been the same: screams, followed by chanting, followed by multiple pictures being taken.  And its because of one simple fact...when you have a t-shirt made for you, you feel like you were thought of.  Being in the right frame of mind is really important for any event, as the party is guaranteed to be crazy! 

So here's my tip for the next sporting event/reunion you are planning...make t-shirts! You won't regret it!

We're All A Little Crazy

I've officially declared myself crazy.  I mean, you have to be a little insane to decide to run a marathon right?  Cuz, what sane person decides that running 26.2 miles sounds like a good time.  I know I was sitting there the night before my first marathon, thinking that those miles are looking more and more like a bad idea.  How the hell did I get myself into this thing?

But hey, there's a reason over 47,000 people decide to take part in the NYC marathon every year.  And it's because after one hellish day, you can say the rest of your life that you actually did it.  You trained and ran for 4-5 straight hours! And let me tell you from experience...it is well worth it.

New york knows how to party and the marathon is no different.  From the first moment when you are crossing the bridge from Staten Island to Brooklyn you know that you are in for an experience that is truly unique.  I mean, they close the freaking! How cool is that?  Running across with Fran Sinatra's "New York, New York" blaring sets the mood and the rest of the boroughs make sure that you never come off your high.  Bands and fans line the streets cheering you on to convince you that you weren't made to go on this crazy adventure.  As a rookie runner, I have to tell you I was unprepared.  So for those out there who are thinking of doing their first, here are some tips I picked up:

1) Wear a belt/fanny pack:  All these people were taking pictures throughout their run, which I was extremely jealous of.  So make sure you have somewhere where you can store a camera to really capture this experience.  Plus, put some food in it as there isn't anything offered until mile 17 by the marathon and trust me, you'll be hungry.

2) Wear warm clothes that you don't mind getting rid of:  All these people were bundled up, whereas I was freezing my butt off in shorts and a tank top.  I couldn't believe all these people were going to run in all those clothes...and well, they didn't.  Instead, right before the run started they all tore off their old clothes and put it into the huge donation bins right by the start.  So stay warm and donate to a good cause!

3) Have plenty of food:  I know sounds obvious...but I was so nervous I didn't eat anything before hand which I immediately regretted.  So make sure to have crackers, power bars, fruit or whatever else you can handle on hand for the hour you'll be milling around before the start of the race. 

A marathon is an experience and one I definitely recommend.  I hope to see you next year at the NYC Marathon, as I am hooked and will definitely be there next year!