London or Bust! by Chect

Oh my goodness.  Just a week to go!  How nervous are you guys?  Butterflies are definitely starting to kick in here.  I've been thinking about a few last minute words of advice I can offer so in no particular order:

1. Given today's climate please bring and wear suncream.  We have been training in the winter and so it will come as a bit of a shock if we get a sunny day.  Don't worry if we do just make sure you cream up and take the fluids offered to you.

2. Plan your route to the start - that may also mean your night before and morning after.  Think as though you were going tomorrow. What will you need and a what points?  I pack bananas (you are up early and will probably need a snack before but not too soon before you set off), extra clothes for the end and an old top (to discard at the start if its cold - they recycle/reuse all clothing left at the start), plus arranging where to meet your friends and families at the end.  There is a meeting point on Horseguards parade. 

3. Tracking runners - I'm still investigating this.  Last year Adidas did a London Marathon Runner Tracker which allows your friends to follow your progress as long as they know your running number - does anyone know if they are doing this again this year?  Please post a comment for our runners if so.

4. I find pace bands really useful.  You can pick them up from the expo (Lucozade do them) - this is a durable wristband which displays the times you need to stick to in order to meet your target time.  For example if you pick up a 4hour pace band - it has all the mile intervals and corresponding times; 1mile - 9mins, 2 miles - 18mins etc..all the way to finish - it just helps as your mind wanders a little during the race.  You can see if you need to speed up or perhaps slow down to keep you running steadily towards the finish. 

5. Pouches - to carry or not to carry?  There are arguments for both but I would say do as you do in training.  I always have a handy supply of jelly babies to keep me going - I know the crowds will gladly hand these out but I need to make sure I get them when I need them, so I'm going to have my gel belt filled with my treats!

6.  Vaseline - dont forget this one if you suffer from blisters or chaffage.  Look out for the first aiders too en route they usually stick out their hands with vaseline for you to grab during the race - some folks need it by then.  Nipples, areas around shorts, and T-shirt sleeves are most prone to this.

7. Bin bags - a handy accessory for the start of the race.  only if its raining that is!

8.  Banter - take in the atmosphere.  This is it after all.  You can enjoy the race and know that you are close to achieving your goal.  Speak to people even briefly with words of encouragment - there is always someone worse off.   The crowds will amaze you and the runners will inspire you.   

9.  Look up!  If you are struggling on those last few miles remember to look up.  Keeping you head down will make it harder for you, try to keep focussed and lift your head - this is pscychological too.  Looking upwards is motivating, moving you forwards, uplifting and can be invigorating.  Heads down suggest you are giving up and weighs you down.

10.  Smile crossing the finish line!  You wont regret it - you may not feel like it.  But if you've given your number to your loved ones they may well be watching you live.  BBC red button technology allows those watching from the comfort of their own homes, to tune it at your expected finish time and clock all the finishers.  Believe me they do.  Mum and Dad were glued 4 years ago.   I certainly wasn't looking to pretty and I think I came it behind some Womble so again pick your finishing line, show your pearly whites and give it your all! 

Training Log:

Why oh why have I started to get blisters now?!  Theory is running faster or longer than usual can cause blistering.  I think I've been trying to do the former and it's had a bit of an effect.  My poor feet!  I've been doing baths of epsom salts and frequent pampering but they are still complaining.  In exasperation I went and bought - wait for it - anti blister socks!!  At a whopping cost of £10.25!  Ouch I nearly cried when I handed over the dosh - seriously?  For a pair of bloomin socks?  Can you tell I usually shop in Matalan?  They are comfortable however but whether they do the job remains to be seen...  Mmm I'll reserve judgement for now. 

Apart from that, it's gone well, managed 4 runs this week all quite gentle - apart from today's longish run. (Last one) it was a tad on the warm side as you will have noticed.  I figure it was best to get a little acclimatised, just in case.  If you can get one in on a hot day do.  But dont worry all the work is done now.  Just stay fit and healthy.  I've been knocking back the echinachea and vitamins to stave off the cold.  Fingers crossed it does the trick.

~~~

I think I've passed on all my tales of woes and words of advice - I just want to say good luck to everyone running next Sunday!  You really can do it!  I'll be with you every step.

Enjoy the experience guys