What I have learn in this full marathon is that the strategy of Full and Half Marathon are totally different. Half Marathon is simple. You run as fast as you can while not hitting heart rate at critical rate and ensuring you have sufficient energy to complete the race at even pace. Refuel at one or two station. On top of it, take a salt tablet or two.
Full Marathon, on the other hand, is completely different. First of all, its about how you can delay hitting the wall. To me, all my four previous experiences happened around the 24-25km. My first challenge is when will the 4:30 pacer surpass me, and it is always around the same area. For the latest experience, the pacer surpass me around the 24km mark, which is the earliest and therefore I actually ran the slowest at the first part of the race in the four marathon.
In my opinion, the second part of the race commence at the 24/25km mark, which is the starting of 'real marathon'. Instead of managing your 'heart-rate' and 'energy', the full marathon is about managing 'muscle' and 'energy'. A muscle cramp would totally ruin the race therefore pushing as far back as possible or even totally eliminate it. It is wiser to run 'relax', and therefore slower, than to run stronger, risking a cramp that lead to slower time in the later stage and suffering and pain and bad experience.
Fuel intake and salt intake need to be plan prior to the race and followed to the dot. Drinking of water should be adequate but not too much. Banana is essential to avoid 'empty stomach'. Most important thing is relax and keep your mind busy by thinking of 'something else, something that require lengthy time for deep thinking or argument'. Time will go by faster than imagine. Most importantly, enjoy the race, relax and smile. Finish the race as if it is just another walk in the park.
