Daily Tip #2: Make the Most of the Final Weeks of Training

Friday, October 14

You've come a long way since you started preparing for November 6. These last few weeks are the time to sharpen your fitness to a fine edge. "At this point, the hay is in the barn, so your strategy should be to maintain your fitness and stay healthy," says Official NYRR ING New York City Marathon Training Program coach John Honerkamp.

Here's what to do between now and November 6 so that you'll be ready to run your best marathon:

• Stick to your program. If you've been following a plan such as the Official NYRR ING New York City Marathon Training Program, keep to the prescribed workouts and guidelines.
• Plan final long runs and races. Most programs call for a last long training run two to four weeks before race day. This timing will allow you to recover as you taper (reduce) your training during the last two to three weeks.
• Plan a tune-up race. Find a local race this month to test your marathon pace and try out race-day gear.

Today's links:

Travel and hotels Don't delay—finalize plans now.

ING New York City Marathon 2012 guaranteed-entry policies There are a few changes; see how they affect you. The application for the 2012 marathon will open Monday, November 7.

brightroom brightroom will position photographers and videographers throughout the course and at the finish; you can pre-order or preview packages now.