When you need a little motivation or inspiration to keep running for your big race bring it all into balance with some of these tips.

Running a marathon is hard work so these are some times that will help you achieve your goal. In the upcoming months I will expand these tips with more articles but for now as part of my daily motivational/thoughts series we are just going to list them out.

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• Taper – Weeks before you need to slow down. I’ve come to love tapering and it is an important part of your race.
• Eat Before Your Race – I never seem to do this well, but you need to eat a good breakfast.
• Start Your Race Slowly ! – Too many people go out way too fast in the marathon. Start slower and increase your pace as you go.
• Alternate Water/Gatorade - Pick odds and evens and alternate between water and Gatorade (or whatever they are serving). Trust me this is a good tip.
• Don’t Worry You Can Walk – Try and not walk but if you have too then walk fast through your water stops.
• Replenish Your Nutrients – You have to make sure you take in fluids but also you need to eat. Gels, blocks, or beans just make sure you eat something.
• Acknowledge The Crowd – Great way to pump yourself up and also the fans is to high five the folks yelling at you. The kids love this when you do it. It will make them and you feel good.
• Layers – You never know what the weather is going to be so make sure you bring clothes to accommodate.  If it is going to get warmer then layer up and you can throw your memorabilia out to the crowd.
• Write Your Name On Your Shirt – I have never done this, but everyone I know who has loves it. This can bring some good extra motivation to you as they are all yelling at you. In Boston, this is extremely powerful.
• Keep Positive – Don’t forget this is your day to shine. You will do it so keep thinking positive. Kick that inside voice out of your head.
• Have Fun – Seriously, just try and enjoy your day. I know it is hard but you are doing something huge and you deserve to enjoy it.
• Stretch And Walk – after the race this is important.
• Arrange A Meeting Place – On a big race make sure you plan with your family and friends a place to meet. You would hate to be wondering around for hours after you ran a marathon.

Good Luck.