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London Marathon - tips?

4 replies

Mandy21 · 14/03/2013 21:02

I am doing the VLM on 21st April - so far so good with training. Have been following a 16 week training programme (have done half marathons before but never a full marathon) going out 3 times during the week (this week its 5miles, 8 miles and 5 miles) and then a long run each weekend. Have done 16 miles so far (and its starting to feel a really long way!). I have 3 more long runs (17, 18 and 20) and then I start tapering down.

Just looking for any tips for the day? Did you have energy drinks / food etc going round? Did you hit the so-called wall? Is it relatively flat? Any tips on pacing? I'm running between 9 and 10 min miles so not particularly quick, just wanting to get round and raise some money for charity Smile.

Thanks

OP posts:
newgirl · 20/03/2013 20:33

Sounds like you are doing really well! You will def need gels so start trying them on your long runs every six miles or so. London provides gels and energy drinks but in case they run out and to practice you need these now. As it's getting quite close don't overdo it as injury risk might increase.

You might need to slow down on the day do you keep going - at mo you might manage 9-10 min pace for say 20 miles then slow down a lot so think about starting slower - you can always speed up in last sic miles if you feel like it!

newgirl · 20/03/2013 20:35

Oh yes and it's flat. But heaving - like running through a crowded tube station. Don't waste energy overtaking, weaving etc just takebyour time and speed up in second half when much less busy

PhyllisDoris · 20/03/2013 20:37

Just keep running, just keep running..

fascicle · 21/03/2013 10:13

Pacing - Runners World provides a number of pacemakers, running with large lollipop type signs with the number of minutes per mile. They should have a stand at the expo when you register, if you need more info.

Have a strategy for fuelling (and avoid trying anything new on the day - people have different tolerances for different products). Lucozade drinks are usually supplied at specific points on the course (detailed in the final magazine they send out, prior to the race). If you are ok with the Lucozade, it's easier to pick up drinks along the course, rather than having to carry a supply (on that note, beware the discarded bottles at drinks stations, they can be a trip hazard!). I think there are a couple of points where Lucozade gels are also provided, although lots of people take their own gels. Jelly babies are great for easy energy - not provided but again, you can take your own.

Queues for the loos can be very long before the race - don't leave it too late!

Good luck, it will be an amazing experience.

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