7 LESSONS I LEARNED FROM RUNNING 35 MARATHONS

IN THE 20-PLUS years I’ve been running marathons, I’ve made just about every mistake possible.

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I've shown up unprepared and suffered. I’ve gone out too fast and blown up. I’ve vomited and cramped. But I’ve also had plenty of good races. I’ve run metronomic-like splits. I even finished one marathon without any soreness in the days that followed.

In all those experiences, I’ve gotten exactly what I deserved. When I was delusional, thinking I was in better shape than I truly was, I paid the price. I’ve learned the hard way why time-tested rules are so revered. I won’t repeat those, as you've likely already heard them, but here are some valuable race-day tips I’ve collected over the years that you probably haven't.

1 / ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH EARPLUGS / I never sleep well the night before a big race, especially when in a bed that's not mine and surrounded by unfamiliar noises, but I still want to do my best to get as much rest as possible. I swear by wearing earplugs while I sleep. The regular foam ones from a pharmacy suffice. Of course, the few times I forgot them I got a room next to a noisy elevator or a raucous bachelor party. Tuning out all those distractions helps me zonk out.