Last Minute Advice

Don't panic, relax, and don't do or wear anything new on race day. Stick to what you know.

That said, here are some things that I've learned over my last few marathons.

(1) EAT & DRINK. Be aware that what you eat and drink during the race is really only providing sugar for your brain so your brain doesn't wisen up and tell you to stop. While that is great for avoiding the dreaded wall, what's most important to your body is what you put in your tank this Friday and Saturday. Carbs, proteins, nothing super-dehydrating, water, electrolytes, those are all going to fuel your body on race day, not the power bar at Mile 15. That's for your head.

(3) PREP. Make a check list and lay out all your gear the night before, including writing your emergency information on the back of your bib, pinning your bib to your shirt in such a way that it doesn't interfere with anything you might have around your waist, and attach your chip to your shoe. A helpful trick is to crumple up the bib a few times so that it doesn't feel so stiff and awkward when you run. They're really durable. They can take it. Also, don't plan on partying the two nights before the race. Sleep as long as you can Friday night in case nerves make you restless the night before. Set multiple alarms and arrive to the route as early as you possibly can. You don't want to be doing the pee-pee dance for the first few miles.

(4) PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. Put away your iPod and write your name on your shirt instead. You'll get a much bigger boost by strangers cheering you on than the soundtrack to Chariots of Fire. If music is all that gets you through, then listen to it. I won't stop you. But be open to the goose-bumpy high you get from folks cheering your name and the serenity that comes with quiet stretches along St. Helens Road and the incline up to the St. John's Bridge. After that, those last miles are mostly flat or downhill and the view is tremendous. You can do it!