You can make it past those first couple of miles.

From personal experience, the first couple of miles are the warm-up and are all mental. Your body is getting used to running, especially if you just began training. This is where I see a lot of people quit or end their runs. Once you get past those first few miles, you are GOLDEN. Trust me, you will feel invincible.

There’s always something that will try and knock you down, just get back up when it knocks you down.

Thanks Keri Hilson, did you write this about marathon training or love? Either way, there’s always something that will try and hold you back. There could be an event you’re missing (I missed very few because I made this my priority), or how you are feeling during the run. During each run, I’ve run into my ankles, knees, back, and feet hurting, plus being out of breath, and getting a cramp. I’ve even had my fair share of falls and scrapes during my runs. There’s always going to be some combination of aching, just try and stay positive. You got this.

Take some days off if you need to.

In the middle of training, and even before I started training for the marathon, I sometimes would fight my body and exercise anyways. If you are trying to get amped for a run but are too sore, just take a day off. I promise that the next time you run, you will feel so fresh and maybe even excited. You may want to sprint up hills and run extra distance. It’s a beautiful feeling.

One bad day doesn’t define you.

This may be my favorite tip for you guys. During marathon training, we would do our long runs on Saturdays. I don’t think I’ve ever had 2 good long runs in a row. One week I’ll run 20 miles perfectly, then the following week almost not be able to finish 15. There could be so many factors of why the run was harder for you that day, and running is a mental sport anyways. Don’t take this too hard and keep your head up.

Rain is your friend.

Running in the rain is highly underrated. It’s when I’ve felt most alive during training. Of course, as long as it’s not down-pouring. I live in Baltimore city so dodging people is a common occurrence, and believe it or not, no one is out during the rain. Also, if you are training in the summer, the rain will cool you off. I could go on and on about this, but go put a hat on and try it yourself.

Make running part of your routine.

Since you will have to run a lot, I mean a lot to train for this marathon, set up a fun routine for your runs. I would always run at 5 after I finish work, and it would make me excited to go out. It would help me clear my mind and focus on myself and improvement. I would come home after, make dinner and relax. This was so nice. You may dread going out for runs in the beginning. That’s okay, when you set up your perfect routine and go out 5 times a week for your runs, you’ll get used to it!

Bring fuel with you.

I was in denial about this for awhile. I used to get weak on mile 8 and not want to continue my runs. I would eat a granola bar and then get a cramp. It was not the way it should’ve been handled. This is where energy gels come in. If you are running over 7 miles, or haven’t eaten much during the day, bring a gel with you and they will provide you with the fuel you need. Plus, most of them are tasty. I went through the fruit and dessert flavors. This goes without being said, but please bring water with you too, you will thank me.

Train hills.

This one may be more tailored towards marathon runners, as many marathons are, in fact, hilly. Why do they do this to us? The Baltimore marathon that I ran was one of those hilly marathons. I don’t just mean run up 5 hills a week for training. I mean try running a hilly route while you’re also fatigued during a long run. This will help you, because when you are 15 miles into the marathon and have to run up a string of hills, you will be prepared.

Take it seriously.

Okay I know this is supposed to be a relaxed guide, but your one day running the marathon is an accumulation of all of your training. You can take days off but when you do run and you’re feeling ready to tackle the miles, try and run at a faster pace than you’re used to. You’re faster than you think! On the day of the marathon, there will be so many good nerves and people around you that you will naturally run faster. You may hit a wall if you are not used to running at this pace. Prepare for your future self that wants to sprint this marathon. But, always remind yourself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Plus, don’t you want to finish the marathon quickly so you’re not running for 6 hours straight?

Run in the morning.

So I may have saved this tip for last because let’s just say I’m not a morning person. I did learn that I should be running early in the morning the hard way. I may have done an 11 mile run in 100 degree weather at 1 PM. Don’t be me. You don’t have to wake up super early, although that would help you even more. The earliest I have woken up for a run is probably 8:00. Even then it will be cooler for the beginning of your run. This will make the run more enjoyable, plus, why not take a nap after?

BONUS TIP: Be prepared.

Be prepared with your energy gels, ice cold water, and a route to take (you don’t want to run in circles). You don’t want to run out of anything. Map out your run and make sure that at some point you run past a store. This can be your emergency supply of water if you are in need. One time I even finessed getting water at a farmer’s market. However you get the water, it will be so crucial. Sometimes I would put an extra water at the halfway point of my long run. On the day before the marathon, make sure that you put your bib on your shirt, and lay out your other clothes, water bottles, and everything else you may need. Chances are the marathon is early in the morning and you don’t want to be stressed then. Have fun the day of your marathon, you’ve already accomplished so much.