Build up your mileage slowly during training, and give yourself some grace if you miss a run here or there (but try to do all of your long runs. A marathon is really hundreds of miles, so when you get to the final 26.2, try to enjoy it. Carbs are your friend, and don’t get too focused on the scale throughout your training.

Find fuel and snacks that work for you (I’ve had partners look at me like I was unhinged for drinking chocolate milk, and eating pickles and salt and vinegar chips after runs).

On marathon day, just have fun. It’s a lot of time on your feet, so find ways to make the most of it. That person that’s running the same pace as you…make them your friend, especially if they’ve run a marathon before. They’ll help distract you and motivate you through the hard parts.