1. Start slow for the first mile or so. As the course opens up, work towards establishing your race pace. Find your pace and stick with it.

2. Relax, run easy and keep focused.

3. After your pace has been established, look around for people who are running your pace and join them.

4. Start drinking early. Use sports gels every 30 - 45 minutes to keep carbohydrate stores topped off. This will improve your performance!

5. Do a body check. Relax tight shoulders, squinting etc.

6. The last few miles the race becomes mental as well as physical. Your energy will wax and wane. If you have a tough mile, be patient, your energy will return. Think positive. Acknowledge yourself for what you have accomplished so far.

7. Pick a person to pass, focus on them and see how long it takes you to catch them.

8. Count down the last 6 miles, 5, 4, 3, 2, last 1!

9. The last 3 miles use your arms. Pumping your arms will keep your legs going as you become fatigued.

10. Anything can happen in a marathon. Beating your time in the first 10 miles means nothing. The true test is the last few miles. If you start too fast, you will pay for it!

11. Choose without drama. How hard are you willing to push yourself? What are you capable of today?

12. Finish strong and be proud of your accomplishment!