Wanted to share some cool marathon/running-related multimedia goodies I've stumbled upon…..

NYC Marathon Pacing & Info Spreadsheet

In the Runner's World Discussion Forum, this guy created an AWESOME customizable pacing spreadsheet for the NYC Marathon.  This is probably one of the coolest things I've seen - you plug in your goal time AND your strategy (even effort, even pace, fairly even effort, etc), and the spreadsheet automatically calculates your target pace, splits and estimated time of day at major checkpoints.  It even considers variables along the race course for the splits, such as elevation changes and bridges - i.e., your effort will be higher going up the Queensboro bridge than when going down, etc.   

Once you specify your target goals, the spreadsheet will also create a pacing wristband (for printout, if desired), a very detailed elevation map, estimated starting times by bib# and corral sections, and lots of maps including the only spectator map I've found so far.   This thing is awesome - the only thing it can't do is my laundry.  

Visit the NYC Marathon discussion thread to download the spreadsheet.  The same guy created similar spreadsheets for other races including the Boston Marathon.  

TheFinalSprint.com's Running Podcasts

I've recently gotten hooked on podcasts.  One of the best series of running-related podcasts I've found is from TheFinalSprint.com.   Their podcasts feature interviews with the famous and elite of the running world.  Just a few of the interviews that I've downloaded so far: 

- Jeff Galloway
- Dean Karnazes - ultra-marathon runner
- Rudy Garcia Tolson - paraolympic Gold Medalist
- Ryan Hall - several interviews about breaking the Half record in Houston, and preparing for the Olympic trials
- Alan Webb
- Gail Devers
- Alan Culpepper
- Deena Kastor
- Jack Daniels
- Brian Sell
- Meb Keflezighi

I haven't been able to listen to all of them yet, but it's a great selection of interviews.  The entire library is on iTunes, or you can listen to them directly from their website.  Here's a partial directory of their podcasts. 

Runner's World Podcasts on the NYC Marathon

Another series of podcasts is the NYC Marathon coverage by Runner's World.  Not as diverse as TheFinalSprint, but there's some interesting commentary about the NYC course.