Marathon dos ...

• Be positive. You have done your training, be determined that you will finish.
• Taper down well in the last week. It is better to go into the race under-trained than over-trained. If you've undertrained  you can rely on the adrenanline of race day to help you find energy from somewhere. If you've over-trained, once you've gone, you've gone!
• Check out your gear carefully. Lay it out three or four days before the race. This ensures you don't forget anything.
• Have a gentle run the day before the race. Two or three miles will not deplete your energy reserves and it will relieve any tension or any pre-race apprehension you may be having.
• Get a good book to read the night before the race, or the morning of the race. It will stop your mind dwelling on the task ahead.
  
• Eat a balanced meal the night before the race. The ideal meal needs to include protein, carbohydrate and some fat. A nice dessert will be fine too.
• A couples of alcoholic drinks the night before will do no harm, but don't go overboard. It may help you relax and sleep.
• Tape up and grease. Surgical tape on nipples (male and female) and Vaseline between the legs, under the arms and maybe on toes, if you are blister prone.
• Don't shower. Taking a shower removes the body's natural oil that helps the body stay cool, which is important to prevent premature dehydration.
• Split the race into chunks. Five miles or 5k, to help you feel you are making progress. Faster runners should relax to 16 miles, and then treat the rest as a 10 mile road race.
• Stick to an even pace that you know you can finish in. Carry a watch and don't get distracted in the excitement. Back markers, start your watch as you cross the start line, you will then know your true time for the distance.
• Carefully plan your route and timing to the start, so you don't end up rushing or panicking.

Marathon don’ts ...

• Don't get carried away in the excitement of the start, run too fast and 'die' at some stage. It is always better to be passing people after half way than being constantly overtaken. Stick to your own pace.
• Don't be on your feet all day sightseeing or shopping the day before the race. It might be tempting to explore or sightsee the day before the race, but this will only leave you tired before you've even stepped on the course.
• Don't wear any new running gear, especially shoes. All of your stuff should be tested and tried in the days and weeks before the race.
  
• Don't over hydrate before and during the race. Your body can only absorb so much liquid. Drinking moderately during the marathon is the best advice.