London marathoners assemble

Can't believe I have never looked at the website before! That's really helpful, may have a try with those gels pre race to see if they work for me.
Currently away for half term so have done a couple short runs to keep me ticking over but looking forward to getting back to training plan next week.
And yes Maid - please only message when you are on a post run high
Then you can sit at home nice and smug and watch the rest of us struggle through our last few weeks!

Thanks for that Kitty. Will go and look at vlm website

Thank you for the welcome . Maid well done for your confession heehee!!

I ran with the club last night and felt great after my long run Sunday. Key was to take the whole of Monday off (plus did absolutely nothing after the run on Sunday), I must never try running the day after a long run or a race, the wheels just fall off big time.

waves at new marathon runners

I'm not running London either. Manchester, 2nd April. I'm the prophetic canary. I promise not to tell you all if it's abjectly terrible.

I'm going to have a go with flapjack (and also look up running jelly beans - never heard of them)
Does anyone know if London marathon hand out sports drinks too or just water? Hoping for some energy drinks along the way to boost a little .../

Welcome Severino and running! The more the merrier! I feel young now at only 45, also doing my first marathon. Good luck with your training

Oh I am 51 years old and it will be my first marathon too!

Hello please may I join too?

I've just read the whole thread from start to finish and you all sound so lovely and supportive.

I am not actually doing the London marathon but another one in the Autumn and so it is very interesting to read all your progress. I did 10 miles on Sunday in grim weather and was over the moon as have suffered ITB problems in the past over longer distances. Have only ever run one half marathon.

I use High5 isotonic gels and found them ok digestion wise as they have quite a lot of water in them. Also almost choked on jelly beans !

Hope ok to join in even though not an actual London marathoner

Hi please may I join?
Running my first marathon at grand old age of 49, must be mad.....
Haven't read whole thread yet, my biggest problem is fuelling, am literally starving after an hour and so worried about trying gels and stuff. Will read back to see if anyone has any good ideas

I use the electrolyte powder in drinks and find it helps. Pickle I use the blocks; I often bite them in half first, or else you can just let them dissolve in your mouth, though it's not quick. I take one at 45 minutes, then every 30 after that.

I tried one of those Clif Bloks the other day. Really tasty but no bloody idea how to run and chew at the same time. I'm really dreading anything messing up my stomach. Running already does terrible things - I have at least 3 Immodium before my long runs and do a lot of my other runs indoors on a treadmill because of it. I'm hoping that pre-race nerves will sort everything out before the start so I don't have to worry about it (sorry, all that was far too much information!)

I've got some high5 sugary electrolyte powder that I'm going to put in my water for my Saturday long run.

I can't stand the texture of gels. I took lucazade instead of water on my 12 miles. Think it made a big difference. Also took my sports jelly beans but nearly choked on one so might have to rethink that one!

I'm using actual food too as tried gels on last long run (12 miles) and had terrible cramps the next day 🙁

I'm hoping to get by on jelly babies and a piece of flapjack at about mile 17... I only have 3 runs planned that are over a Half (16,18 and 20) and don't think that enough times to practice with gels etc. Would also be concerned re: digestive issues so hoping food I'm used to will be safer!

This gel stuff is bothering me too.

I have one at 10km in, then had planned every 30 mins after that (maybe a bit longer). So far though, I've only had one gel over 22 km or so.

They don't make me feel sick or anything while running. But the next day, my tummy is doing all the gurgles and I have had the runs (TMI, sorry). I am worried that if it does that after just one gel, what will I be like after 4 or 5? If it still holds off until the next day, that's fine, I can cope with that. But on the day? During the run? Eeek.

I feel like I'd rather go for standard sports drinks as well - will check out Tailwind.

Although randomly the picture has appeared at the top of post. Bloody modern technology

Well done on all the running! Hope everyone got rid of all the bugs!

I managed to get out on Saturday. Did just under 9 miles (paused my bloody garmin and didn't realise for about a mile and a half or so) Not as far as I should have gone but didn't want to overdo it on first proper run after being knocked out with the cold. Made it to the gym today but only did 15 mins on the cross trainer and some weights and core work.

My plan is in minutes and not miles. But think I'm going to do minutes in the week and miles from a different plan for my lovely run. Although am perhaps over thinking things.

My weekday running buddy has knackered himself apparently so going to try summon up some self motivation tomorrow lunch time.

My race number clips have arrived. Bought these......

Yes, three weeks before. I'm at 22 miles in first week of March.

I'm running before you though! You're on plan with long runs?

22.7 km/14.1 miles done. 30kph headwind/40kph gusts/snow/exposed hills. I never want to run like that again.

6:03 min km average pace. Passed the half mark in 2:07:41. I am wiped out with the effort of just keeping my feet going. It is going to leave mental scars.

Long run day. Am going to try to repeat last week's route (13.5m) then push another couple on top.

However, it is blooming freezing up here in the NW. And snowing again. And winds.

At least I am not hungover like last week though