Every runner has a specific motivation and inspiration for running a marathon. This year, all 36,000 of us will 'run together' to demonstrate the spirit of the marathon. We will still have our individual motivations, but we will be unified under the Boston Strong umbrella.

Don't wait until you get hungry to eat. Eating throughout the day is best. And obviously sleep is important.

Most of us have enough areas in our lives where we have to meet others' expectations. Let your running be about your own hopes and dreams.

You know it's going to hurt, you know you are going to struggle, but you Have to work on your form, stay upright, the sooner you get there the sooner the pain is over.

But I also realize that winning doesn't always mean getting first place; it means getting the best out of yourself.

Do the small things. If you are running a 10-12 minute mile take a mile off your plan for the day and use the 6 minutes before and after to stretch. A lot of the times we all want to go go go but it's important to stretch the calves and the hamstrings and nutritionally you know?

Every runner has a specific motivation and inspiration for running a marathon. This year, all 36,000 of us will 'run together' to demonstrate the spirit of the marathon. We will still have our individual motivations, but we will be unified under the Boston Strong umbrella.