Two sleeps to go! Come on legs!
Apr2320103:42 p.m.
I can't believe the journey to running the marathon is nearly over! It feels like it has been an eternity in some ways and like it's gone in a flash in others... I feel SO excited and utterly terrified all at the same time. Concentrating at work is nigh on impossible. (It's very much like the run up to my wedding!).
I've eaten a mahoosive pasta lunch with my colleague who is also running, washed down with half a cinnamon & sugar pretzel, a powerade, a few haribo and I'm now contemplating an afternoon hobnob. Oh how I wish the carb-loading never had to end... Going to try not to go too crazy this evening as a little as I don't want to waddle up to the start line...
Picked up my race number last night at the Expo (get a massage -they're fab - though preserving your dignity if you haven't come with suitable clothing is a challenge!) and it all felt very, very real... VERY cool though.
I'm trying to quash any negative thoughts and focus purely on how far i've come and enjoying the day. I'm about to print out my blog to remind me of when 8 miles felt like the impossible (on a bad day it still does...) and I've been writing down all the positive & calming things I want to remember for when i go into 'panic zone' on Saturday night and lose all perspective of what it is all about! I plan to also bank as many sleep hours as possible tonight in case nerves get the better of me the night before.
I was sent a truly brilliant article by my charity - Mind - from the RW website. Particularly like the guidance through the different stages of the marathon - the first three miles are always foul for me but i'm looking forward to having all the fancy dress runners & general activity to distract me until I settle into a nice rhythm.
I am very, very scared about the last 8 miles but I guess until I'm there i won't know how it feels, so might as well just take it as it comes (I would imagine a bit like giving birth?!?!) and I'm a pretty bloody-minded and determined person, so hopefully that combined with the crowds will do the trick! I'm aiming for a 5 hour time in accordance with the majority of my training, but I'm anticipating that i may find this a challenge - as long as I finish i'll be happy!
Massive good luck to everyone and I hope the day goes well for you all. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to those of you who have commented on my blog throughout this process and given me such truly brilliant advice! I am very, very grateful! xxxx 
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Comments (4)
Way_Too_Slow 'Good luck Emilie, nerves are natural and probably a good thing as they will help focus your mind. The most important thing to remember is to start off steadily and NOT go too fast, or you will surely pay for it later. Work out your split times for your target time and stick to them. Don't be tempted to go off too quickly. You will invariably go through a bad patch (or several) but refuel and hydrate as you have rehearsed in your long runs and you'll be fine. It will all be worth it when you turn into The Mall and see the finish, that feeling when you cross the line will stay with you for life. Wear your medal with pride, you will have earned it. I look forward to reading your race report afterwards.' added 23rd Apr 2010
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garyb 'Good luck on Sunday!' added 23rd Apr 2010
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glen_b 'I have set off too fast before and seriously regretted it at shorter distances, it is even more vital on Sunday, so use the nerves wisely and the very best of luck!' added 23rd Apr 2010
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blondiekels 'Good Luck Emilie,,,, Enjoy every second and let that bloody mindedness get you through the tough times! ' added 23rd Apr 2010
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