London Marathon

[Purplecat68]

I’m running London Marathon next month,this will be my first marathon after about 10 years in the ballot.

I managed to bag a place from my club ballot.

I still can’t believe I’m doing it,I’m excited and daunted!

Last Sunday was my longest run so far,16 miles,it was tough and this journey feels like a rollercoaster ride.

Tomorrow I have Great Yarmouth Half Marathon to run at marathon pace,fingers crossed the weather is kind to us.

Any tips from marathoners would be great,have a fantastic weekend everyone.

[RunWillie Marathon]

Enjoy every moment Purplecat68 even the hard bits. So exciting to get to run London marathon. 🤩

[Katnap Marathon]

Good luck and enjoy the Great Yarmouth HM!Consider:

Do a warm up run and include exaggerated movement like heel flicks and high knees, fast feet and skipping.

Smile 🐱

Plenty of time to build to your target MP so no need to force it. Start at a slower pace for the first 10 minutes.

Smile! 🐱

Even if you don't feel like you need it, don't skip the water stations. Stay hydrated.

Keep smiling 🐱🐱

Fuel regularly using whatever is working for you. For me, a gel every 4 miles works and I try to have a 'Saltstick' tablet before a water station.

Smile often!

Trying MP is just a guide to your training progress. If you're feeling strong, it's a trap! Laugh at yourself for wanting to go quicker and keep to plan.

Other than that just smile and enjoy it 🐱👍

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

You left out the toad in the hole and Guinness!!

[Katnap Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

That's for recovery BC 🤣

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

That’s what I have been doing wrong 🙄

[Purplecat68 Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I’m thinking chips and doughnuts after in Yarmouth 😀

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Purplecat68]

Sounds good!! These details matter 😉

[Purplecat68 Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

The hard bit is going to be smiling if my past race photos are anything to go by 🤣🤣

[Katnap Marathon in reply to Purplecat68]

😂

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

I've not got any advice as never run that far, but wanted to say enjoy Great Yarmouth HM, I live just down the road and I think the weather is going to be kind

[00marks Marathon]

Having run a marathon today (!) my advice FWIW is:

Follow a training plan but don't get too hung up if you miss a week.

Sort out shoes, kit and fuelling beforehand and don't change it.

Don't start out too fast. Banking time doesn't work. The last 10K hurts for everyone so expect the end to be difficult.

Have fun! Do come back if you have specific questions about London.

[RiceAndPeas Marathon]

How fantastic to get a place! I can't offer any advice that hasn't already been posted by far more experienced runners than myself. I'll simply wish you the very best of luck for a memorable,in a good way, day. 😃

[TailChaser Marathon]

London was my first marathon Purplecat, you’ll always remember it, it is amazing! I wouldn’t worry about time, just take it all in and enjoy it. I had headphones on but I never used them: the noise of the support only calms down at Mudchute (about 16 miles), so use that time to take stock, take on drink and fuel, recover and push on, as the crowds don’t stop from Canary Wharf onwards!

At the end, it’s a long old walk to meet up with friends and family. Don’t head for Trafalgar Square as there and the pubs down Whitehall are heaving. Turn right before the Admiralty Arch and go towards Horse Guards Parade, it’s much closer and easier to find people.

Good luck on your training, I hope you have the best time!