First let me start by saying that you should be proud of yourself for even trying this. For major races, anywhere from 20,000-50,000 will toe the line with the same objective...to consummate a goal worth training for and giving your all for.
It will not be easy. Some of you will have various walls. Some of you will hit multiple walls. Some of you will have to visit a medical aid station. Some of you will actually breeze through this race. Some of you will run the whole thing. Some of you will walk the whole thing. Some will combine both methods. Crawling might be a bit too slow. Save it for the last .2 if you must.:)
But know that we are all in this together in support of each other.
Here are some important things to remember:
1> You must eat something a few hours before. This is crucial.
2> Do not take supplements in your training. If you don't know what is in it, or how to pronounce it, you really don't need it. Most essential body chemicals have two or three syllables, not five (see: Tribulus Terrestris. What is that? Yeah, you don't need it)
3> PEDs ...just no.
4> Consider the marathon a victory lap for your training, and, despite the hardship, sweat, and overall screaming from every single part of your body, enjoy it. It's really a wonderful experience.
Best of luck to all who are running a marathon this year.
Mike