Every good marathon-training plan should ‘taper’ during the final two or three weeks. That means you run less and rest more. For some people, the idea of backing off on their training just before the big race seems counter-intuitive. "So many

. Mentally review your race plan.Position yourself appropriately at the start according to your projected pace, and remind yourself to start gently! You'll be glad you did when later in the race you're able to pass all those runners who started too fast.

You've heard the usual recommendations for so long that you accept them as gospel. And most of the advice is solid. Who can argue with putting in mileage, peaking for races and stretching after a run? But just because many coaches, sports