For this reason, your Friday night's sleep is even more important than your Saturday night's sleep. But some marathons are held on Saturdays. If you're running a Saturday marathon, move everything up one day. Two miles should be enough. If you run anything at or near race pace, don't run far.
Soft surfaces are best.
Instead of jogging between strides, I'll walk. So run as to obtain it. Regardless of whether you expect to win a prize in today's race, take St. Paul's advice and run so as to obtain it. Remember everything you learned over those weeks. Smile as you cross the finish line.