I'm heading off to excel this afternoon with the rest of the team. 6 out of the 7 of us have made it through the winter grind, injuries, ups and downs. My thoughts go out to Zoe who will miss out this time through injury.

At the same time I'm thanking my lucky stars that my injured hamstring has behaved itself since I started training at the end of Feb. Its still not 100% but I know that as long as I start runs slowly and get the muscles fully warmed up it should be OK. I've also survived shin splints caused by the folly of training for a marathon over a mere 7-8 weeks. I have avoided running at all in this final week to allow maximum healing time for those. I'm expecting them to be a bit painful after Sunday but by then it won't matter.

This is th essence of the FLM, people going through trials and tribulations, injuries, challenges, self doubt but I know the big day will make it all worthwhile.

I can't wait for tomorrow. The atmosphere, the support (especially the kids with jelly babies and the high fiving), the camaraderie, running/hobblingt over that finish line in the knowledge that you've achieved something that less than 1% of adults achieve in a lifetime. Yes running 26.2 miles is a massive achievement.

So my advice to everyone in the team or reading this blog is:-

1. start slow until your body has had time to adjust

2. enjoy the day, the crowds and the support. there is plenty of time later for pushing your body to the limit and you will need that determi9nation in the second half

3. don't worry too much about target time, run to a comfortable pace especially first half. If a good/ better than anticipated time is going to happen it will happen because you have the energy and staying power over the last 10 miles not the first 10.

4. high five the kids that line the route over the first few miles. smile wave and acknowledge the crowd when they call your name.

5. try to be strong over the last mile, the queen may be watching you as you pass Buckingham Palace. If she is salute!

6. Give yourself a massiv e pat on the back as you cross that finish line

Good luck all

Hugh

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