After training so intensely for so long, you're going to feel like you're sabotaging everything by not continuing to work hard the week before the marathon. But listen up: Don't! Stick to your schedule and taper as indicated.

This doesn't mean you should be completely inactive or overeat the week before the race. It's a good idea to stretch as much as possible, always remembering first to warm up your muscles through exercise. In the week prior to the race, take some brisk walks or do some light cycling. Don't do any activity that's going to strain your legs—just something to keep the blood flowing and endorphins up.

On a similar note, if you are traveling to an exciting destination for your marathon and planning on doing some sightseeing by foot, do so no later than two days prior to the race. In fact, if your time is more limited, refrain from taking any long walks the day prior to the marathon. Instead, do your sightseeing from the window of a tour bus or car to conserve your energy for the race.