I’m getting ready for my first IM and am working on my pacing goals for the run. I also just picked up a Gamin 305 for cheap, but am not sure if I want to deal with it during the race. The athlete guide states that “run course stations are located at every mile”. Does anyone know if these stations are clearly marked with mile markers similar to a race like the Chicago Marathon? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!
The Aid Stations are not exactly at the mile points…but this is IM and there are these BIG signs that are posted at each mile…kinda hard to miss but with the crowd that will be IMLou 2009 ya never know.
Paul
Free Advice: I am a 3:00 marathoner and did IMLou last year. It was my first IM. I had visions of a sub 4:00 marathon split. Well I ran like 4:20 in the humid heat that you will likely face. Prepare yourself for this. I think my split beat 75% of the field, but I felt like a complete failure. The miles are clearly marked and there is plenty of aid. I wore a Garmin and would wear it again. Think about when you want to turn it on given it’s battery life. Last year at this time I was trying to figure out how the run would play out. What I would do is figure out your percentile run finish in your last few tri’s and see what time that would have gotten you in the last 2 years. Don’t be surpised if it seems a bit pedestrian and plan accoringly, because the heat is cruel.
Ditto TriA6’s advice - you will run a LOT slower than you think in the heat/humidity. I ran a 3:52 and was horrified as I was prepped for around 3:30-35 (after pacing easy on the bike - also a 3 hour mary guy), but it ended up a pretty decent run compared to the masses 
Ample time to go easy the final 10 miles or so on the flat run-in back to T2
The mile markers are clearly marked, but no cool timers like at the major marathons. The aid stations, as mentioned, are well stocked and plentiful (sponges, ice, etc.), but not quite right at the markers.
As I remember it (first year), the aid stations were right in the center of the road, so you could hit them while going in either direction. I was in the range of the other guys (4:02), but got to pass even more people due to a very restrained bike, and a stellar 1:33 swim. ;) So there's my advice...start slow, and don't slow down.