For a few ambitious athletes later this month, the 26.2-mile trip from Hopkinton to Boylston Street will be just a warm-up. Overachievers in the Double Boston challenge will run the marathon course in reverse starting at 3 a.m. before joining the official field at the starting line: “A Group Of Runners Are Planning To Run Boston Twice – Starting in The Opposite Direction.” This feat flips the net-downhill course, forcing an uphill climb on their first 26.2-mile leg. Most of us will happily stick to a traditional single outing, and to help you make the most of that journey, Greg McMillan shared his top strategies in “How to Approach Boston Marathon Weekend to Maximize Your Race-Day Performance.” Before the starting gun even fires, Greg suggests combatting pre-race anxiety by reviewing a journal of your proudest training moments. Once you hit the course, he cautions against the urge to bank time during the early descents. Running faster than goal pace on these initial downhills can hammer your legs and deplete glycogen stores prematurely. Instead, consider prioritizing even splits to save your muscles for the later stages. When you finally reach the Newton Hills around mile 16, you can try leaning into the incline, using your arms, and accepting a slight pace drop. After conquering Heartbreak Hill, refocus on running fast, take advantage of the remaining downhills, and remember to capture the energy of the crowds as you celebrate your finish.

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