Running Tip # 7. Guest tip from Bill Rodgers, also known as "Boston Billy" who won the Boston & NYC marathons each 4 times and is a former American record holder. Bill is now 70 years old, and I had the honor of meeting him last year during the inaugural Shay marathon in Boise, Idaho. Bill says to do a 1/2 marathon about a month before to test your fitness. A good race provides a powerful mental lift.

In addition, with 3 weeks to go before the race, add progressive speed to your final long run, doing the last 7-10 miles slightly faster than your marathon pace . Learning how to increase effort when struggling is huge for the marathon.