1. Start too quickly : you will exhaust your glycogen reserves in the climbs, strain your muscles during the downhill and you will « pay » the few minutes you gained dearly later on.
2. Start too slowly : it does not make any sense to start in a pace below your « normal » speed, the time-barriers may approach quicker, and this will be stressful.
3. Change the type of food you usually eat . Resists any urges to eat more than usually at the last meals before the race, you will just overcharge your stomach, which will be put hard at work anyway. Do what you usually do at training sessions.

4. Use new shoes or equipment not yet tested.
5. Rely on what other racers tell you , or the volunteers, regarding distances and the time needed to reach the next Aid Station, they can be wrong. Don’t forget to bring the race profile.

6. If you have a problem, stop to solve it: if you have a problem with friction with your clothes, or a blister occurring, stop asap. You will have to stop at some point, and the sooner the better.
7. Do not let things overcome you. The perfect race does not exist, and it is normal to have a few down periods. They usually pass.
8. Do not get over-excited in moments of euphoria. The race is long …
9. Get grumpy and focus on your problems : the volunteers are not responsible for the weather, the length of the itinerary or your fatigue. Step back, look at the race with perspective and anticipate your problems mentally to have a solution at hand when they occur.
10. Hand in your bib-number too quickly if you decide to abandon. Think carefully and make sure you will not regret your decision the next day. It will be another year before you can try again!

You may also find interesting information in this article concerning ultra-cycling http://www.wts.fr/cyclisme-ultra-distance-secrets-de-preparation/