1. Train. You should start training at least six months in advance and jog about one and a half hours every other day, gradually increasing.
2. Drink lots of water. You lose a lot of water during the marathon and unless you replenish yourself, you’ll dehydrate and faint.
3. Eat lots of carbohydrates. They give you the energy you will need in the final miles of the marathon. Cut back on junk food and fast food!
4. Have a good mind set. Have a desire to finish and repeatedly tell yourself you will finish. Picture yourself crossing the finish line, it helps.
5. Don’t run alone. If you have someone with you, you can encourage each other to finish. It also helps to have a group of supporters along the sidelines to give you that extra push.
6. Familiarize yourself with the course. It will seem shorter if you know where you are going.
7. Have fun. You will be spending the majority of the day on foot, so make the best of it!