I also feel it usually takes ...

I also feel it usually takes four or five races to hit your best marathon for your body to be accustomed to the training AND the race itself.
 Bill Rodgers

Quotes from the same author

I often lose motivation, but it's something I accept as normal.
 Bill Rodgers
The advice I have for beginners is the same philosophy that I have for runners of all levels of experience and ability -- consistency, a sane approach, moderation and making your running an enjoyable, rather than dreaded, part of your life.
 Bill Rodgers
My biggest weakness as a endurance athlete has been in not drinking enough water after training, thereby racing sometimes while dehydrated.
 Bill Rodgers
Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport.
 Bill Rodgers