"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves"

I don't know man i just try to stay relaxed the whole week. Stay loose and relaxed, but still think about your race and what you need to do. Get focused on the race, but still have fun, joke around and stay relaxed.(That has been my biggest problem in bad races when i don't do this). Also have a good game plan going into the race. Tell your self you are going to hit your times and visualize you hitting your times and visualize a good race. You can also look up some Marathon videos like the Ryan Hall Story that could help you get pumped up or read up on peoples successful stories of marathons. Remember to not go into the race fatigued get plenty of rest the whole week. Carbo load the whole week and definately stay hydrated every day especially before the race.

Remember all the hardwork you have put into this and all the hours you have spent out running when you could of been doing something else. When your body tells you to stop in the marathon just tell it no and know that you have the training to back you up. Rely on your training. Stay stong and Stay Smart. You will do fine, good luck and hope to see you at the finish line under or close to the 3 hour mark. Whatever it is be happy about your performance. It is your first marathon, have fun.