Let’s be real — nothing tests a runner quite like a marathon. Twenty-six miles is a tall order even for the best of us — so how do you keep yourself in tip-top condition as you run? We’ve put together a bunch of pro-tips that’ll help keep you going with a minimum of runner’s angst.

1. Apply petroleum jelly.
Unless you’re one of those storied few rocking some serious gap, your thighs rub together when you run. That sort of friction for hours on end can lead to irritation and even actual wounds, which are then further exacerbated by painful, salty sweat. Distracted at best, and outright agonized at worst, you’re not going to be running your best time when every part of you hurts from raw friction. Apply some petroleum jelly to your thighs, underarms, and between your toes, and you’ll be able to run the full marathon without incurring any friction burns.

2. Engage in some hardcore prep.
The marathon is what you’re training for, but the day itself shouldn’t be your first attempt at running the full distance, or you’ll quickly find yourself flagging before the finish line is in sight. Plan your training regimen so that you’re able to run the full 26.2 miles well before the day arrives. And the actual week of the marathon itself? Keep up moderate exercise until two days before the big event. Take that day off and let your body heal up. Then, the day before the marathon, warm back up with an easy jog.

3. Don’t mix up your routine at the last minute.
Don’t deviate from your bedtime or standard meal habits the week before the big day. Your body’s a finely tuned machine and throwing something new into the works before tackling something as big as a marathon is risky. The night before a huge physical undertaking isn’t the right time to chug three energy drinks and visit that new Mexican place you’ve been dying to try.

4. Time your mile.
You should have a pretty good idea of how fast your average mile is. If not, no problem — just start timing it as you train. Once you’re running the marathon, keep a timer going and check it to see how close you are to hitting your normal mile time. If you’re starting out too fast, slow it down so you don’t burn out halfway through the race.

5. Stay hydrated, and stay moving.
Okay, so staying hydrated is kind of a given; if you don’t know to keep drinking water, then you’re just not listening to your body. But don’t stop moving when you reach a water stop. If you come to a full stop, your heart rate will begin to drop and you’ll definitely feel it. It will be that much harder to start back up and get back into the flow of the race. Once you’re running, try to keep to at least a brisk walk (unless you need a bathroom break, of course!).