If you are in racing mood, dont read any further.
Here are tips I developed just for finishing the EC.
I didnt finish a few, they tought me more than ones I finished.
First. Do not burn yourself at the start and during first two days.
I was coming from NY, long tiring trip, either by a car or an airplane.
I have a folding boat, It takes quite a labor to put it up together.
Lesson #1. get a good rest during prestart night. If you can, go get a motel, dont stay at the campground. Use sleeping pills, if you have to, but get a good night rest.
Lesson #2. do not push yourself beyond limits in first two days. Basically, you need to cover 40 miles a day to finish the race. I found that for me the best tactic is to take it easy on first two days. I start the race untrained, coming from frozen north, and pretty much spent, because of long trip and boat's assembly.
I cruise the first two days. making it as far as I can, but I sleep every night. Then I start pushing myself hard.
It somehow worked for me. In my first two attempts i burned myself in first two days. I just dont do it anymore...
It is like getting myself in tune with the envirement. Letting the things settle. On third day I feed from the surrounding energy. It takes time to get the energy flowing. But, as soon it is there, I can go non stop.