PacerChris is the guru. He hits the mark.<br><br>
Strategy depends on your goals: Racing for time, or running to finish.<br><br>
If you're well tapered, you're raring to go. In the early miles, its difficult to start slow enough and avoiding going to fast.<br><br>
If racing for time, start your slower than your goal race pace, finding your groove in the first few miles. Have some intermediate goals, like where you want to be after 5, 10, and 13.1 miles. You can write some notes on your bib, or a pace band does the same.<br><br>
The mental approach that works for me is the think of the first two miles of the marathon like the first two miles of a weekend long run. If I take it easy for 2 miles, I've effectively turned my 26 mile marathon into a 24 mile marathon.<br><br>
Hydration - take a few onces every chance you get. On the handoff, point at, or make eye contact with the volunteer you want a cup from. Underhydration really exposes itself after the 20 mile mark.<br><br>
Have a mantra and use it when the going gets tough.<br><br>
Smile. A lot. Thank volunteers. Enjoy the moment, and the fact that you're going farther than ever before.