Running a marathon is no small feat, and as thousands of hopefuls hit the pavement this fall, many will be taking on the 26.2-mile distance for the very first time. For most, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Something they’ve been dreaming of for years and training for for months. But for a select few (ya know, the professionals, Olympians and elite coaches), it’s simply their day job.

With years of experience under their belt, I couldn’t help but ask a few of my favorite pro athletes, NYRR coaches and Peloton running instructors about their top marathon training tips. From mantras to mileage, here’s everything they had to say about taking on your first big race.

3 Professional Runners Share Their Pre-Race Routines (from Marathon Rice to Nail Polish Superstitions)

1. “Live it and have fun, just experience everything. For your first marathon, know what you’re going to say to yourself when it gets hard, because at some point in a marathon it’s going to get hard.” - Keira D’Amato (USA), American 10-mile record holder; three-time USA Track & Field national champion

2. “First-time racers I think the number one rule is don't go out too hard, and that's even more important in tough conditions.” - Des Linden (USA), Two-time Olympian; 2018 Boston Marathon champion

3. “I think for your first marathon, it's most important to follow your own race plan. Don't do anything different race morning, practice what you've preached the whole entire time that you've been building up. And then race day, go out and do what you're prepared to do. Don't worry about what anybody else is doing. Focus on yourself, your time and your goals.” - Kellyn Taylor (USA), Top American long-distance runner

4. "On race day, if you’re feeling nervous remember that the hard part is already done, meaning the training for a marathon is the toughest part, and the actual race is a celebration of all your hard work and discipline. You get to celebrate you!" - Selena Samuela, Peloton instructor