First Marathon Jitters

Question
Hi! I have been following a training program for my first marathon since early April. I have not really altered the schedule much and feel great about what I have accomplished. I will be running the Marine Corps Marathon in October and am pretty nervous about it. I really have no idea as to how I will feel race day. I signed up to run with a Clif Bar Team to try and help me reach my goal of finishing in 4:15. I don't really do splits or time my runs, I just know how long it takes me to do certain runs. I am nervous because I have read a lot about tempo runs, weight lifting, carb loading, etc. and I don't really do much of it. I was an All-American soccer player in college and played basketball as well, so I am pretty athletic. Do you have any advice for marathon day and maybe some nutritional advice for the days leading up to it? I was also wondering about slight hip pain and shin/knee pain that is starting to bother me. I have been training for months and am feeling discouraged now that somedays 5 miles seems long! Do marathon runners go through periods where they feel discouraged and shorter distances sometimes feel long? I am hoping these feelings are normal and that I can make it across the finish line. I hope to make it to October! Thanks for the help.

Answer
Hi Megan
First,what your going thru is normal as to have you prepared properly.The real question is have you trained properly, and that is what is getting you nervous.Let me answer the question  the way i do with my athletes as they move forward to there marathon and expectations of finishing time.When i put a program together i insert a number of time trials on a monthly basis so myself and the athlete knows that the program is working and we are on target to accomplish are goals as to pace and finish time.When the athletes hit the numbers in training in relation to there expectations of finishing time they become very strong with confidence and will not give up to the wire and tape.Megan.....You have many questions beyond the training in regards to injury and  leading up to the marathon about nutrition,hip pain,knee.I will say one thing Megan that if you don't resolve some of the things with about 8 weeks to go you will have some problems.IF you want to contact me by phone i can work you thru the the last few weeks(no charge)It appears to me that your 5 mile runs are starting to give you a message.You are a very serious athlete i can tell and it is very hard to put my serious information into a email.I hope i have helped and
got my vision accross.I can be reached at www.rentacoachinternational.com.....Let me know what i can do to get you to a 4:15.

All the very best to you
Megan and your Quest

John