Runners will start lining up about 15 minutes or more before the starting time, depending on how big the participant field is. Line up according to your expected pace (faster runners to the front). In a large race the slower runners can actually create problems by blocking the path of faster runners. In rare instances, pushing inadvertently occurs which can lead to runners stumbling and falling. Please be courteous!

Also, don't get too caught up in the hoopla by being overly exuberant, yelling, and cheering as the gun is about to go off. Save that energy for later when you'll need it. Instead, focus on positive thinking. Visualize all your friends pulling for you and all the hard training you've done for this big race. Take a deep breath, and know that you are going to not only finish the race but also achieve your marathon goals.

Pacing

Running at the correct pace for your ability level is crucial in the marathon, especially for the first-time marathoner. It is so easy to start the race running much faster than you have planned or should do. But if you start out too fast, you'll pay dearly for the mistake in the later miles of the race.

A much better strategy is to start out slower than the speed you hope to average and then run the middle miles at your chosen (hopefully realistic) pace. It's a better strategy to pick up the pace during the final miles when you know you can finish rather than starting aggressively and hanging on for dear life toward the end.

In the world of marathoning, there's no principle of banking the fast miles early in the race and then holding on in the end. If you go that route, you will most assuredly visit the dreaded “wall.”

Take into consideration weather conditions and course difficulty in predicting your marathon time. Strong winds, high temperatures, driving rains, and hills can add several minutes to your finish time. During the marathon, constantly monitor how you are feeling, and adjust your pace accordingly based on your perceived energy level. Your previous long training runs will provide you with the experience to pace yourself.

Aid Stations

Do not pass up any fluid station. While it's okay to drink water only in the early miles, marathoners must consume sports beverages no later than 60 minutes after beginning to run. Find out through advance practice runs what works best for you.

Water is usually offered at the first tables of an aid station and sports beverages served near the end of the station. If you're not sure whether water or sports drink is in the cup, politely ask. It's not a good feeling splashing what you think is water on your head or chest to cool off and discovering a second or two later that the cool liquid is actually a sports drink!

Supplementing

Many runners are taking advantage of the wide variety of energy gel products available to endurance athletes. These provide a fairly quick source of carbohydrate energy. Be sure you chase them down with water to avoid stomach cramps and to ensure absorption.

Some runners stop and eat a PowerBar®, orange slices, jelly beans, etc., to consume the calories they need. You don't want to possibly sabotage your race by ingesting something at an unofficial station of questionable freshness or quality. Experiment during your long runs with any food products you plan to eat during the marathon, and if they're light enough, think about carrying them in a non-chafing fanny pack. Or consider asking a friend or family member to hand you food at a certain point along the course.

Socializing

Chances are good you will encounter other runners running at your pace during the marathon who engage you in conversation. Whether you wish to stick with them and chat along the way is a personal decision. The positive aspect of socializing is that many great friendships have started this way, and that it can be a good way to take your mind off the physical discomfort you may face later in the marathon. Mutual pacts are often made to provide motivation for each runner to finish.

Another view is that talking might rob you of valuable energy you'll need later. The last miles of the marathon can be quite draining mentally. For that reason alone, you may choose to run the last miles without much conversation. Also, running with someone may slow you down. You'll undoubtedly finish the marathon, but sticking with someone who is slower could compromise your chance of achieving a time goal you've set for yourself.

Don't feel you need to be overly sociable at the price of losing sight of your marathon goals. If you really hit it off with someone, ask for her name and then see if you can arrange to meet after the race to share race stories while enjoying refreshments. A fellow competitor should understand your training investment and accommodate your goal, even if it means being left behind at some point. You certainly don't want to reach the finish knowing in your heart and soul that you could have done better. Don't cheat yourself.