London marathoners assemble

I thought you hated long runs Maid......!

I may already be scouting for my next marathon.....

Maid wow what an amazing time! Well done! Sounds like it was all worth it in the end then?!

Lobster how annoying about your run- I've had runs like that too where I just can't do it. Never quite sure if it's body or mind, or a combination, but something just says no! Are you going to have another go at if?

Kitty you sound so keen and up for it. I'm sort of looking forward to my 20, but have to admit that that's largely due to the thought that if I manage it I never, ever have to do it again!!

Twodogs that's so frustrating. Definitely rest up- you have trained hard, and won't loose your fitness, and you have nearly three weeks to recover. Look after yourself and try not to worry too much.

20 miles is planned for tomorrow. I've been trying hard to psyche myself up for it and prepare by eating a bit better (sick of pasta already!). Only managed one run since my 18 last week though but feel like maybe the rest is better preparation, especially since I am still covered in bruises.

Stupidly nervous about it after last weeks disasterous run. I still haven't fully accepted that I might actually be running a marathon... I've actually only told a select group of people (never been convinced I can do this), and since my half have been saying I will announce it after the next long run. I guess if I manage tomorrow it's time for the dreaded facebook announcement...

Oh, I meant to mention that I didn't do a single iota of exercise in the 7 days before. No running and sacked off netball and weights. And I ate anything and everything (I usually keep tight control on what I'm eating). Massive bowls of pasta, full fat stuff, chocolate etc. I felt really fresh at the start, itching to go.

Feeling good today. Minimal soreness, just low level muscle ache. Might hit me tomorrow. You'll all be prepared for this but two of my toenails are floating on full top-of-toe blisters so they are strapped down but will be lost within the week.

What's next? Already looking for the next one. Might not feel the same tomorrow

Maid you look so happy. Well done!

I'm having a nightmare. Hacking cough ongoing -stupidly tried to run this morning. Managed about 1.5 miles before coughing got so bad I nearly vomited. On day 5 already . Really really really hope this doesn't bugger up the run. Think I'll avoid running for a few days but keep up strengthening excercises. But worried

Love that pic maid that's what I keep in mind when I'm struggling. The post marathon elation. Well done.

Bloody brilliant!

Ah good luck to you all. It DOES feel different than training. More to look at, more smiling, people shout your name, the Sally Army doing Oompa music etc.

It was pretty straightforward in the end. I did the 9 min run/1 min walk thing, and rigidly stuck to it. Energy gel at 10 miles, then two with caffeine at 18 and 22 miles. In the last 12km, I overtook nearly a 1000 people. I also ran a quicker second half than first Loads of kids handing out jelly babies/flapjack pieces/etc, so definitely not short on nutrition.

Systemically, I feel good. Not too tired, not spaced, not shaky, pretty normal. My skeleton is starting to talk to me, obviously.

You'll love it guys!

Wow awesome time maid, well done you!

And you look so fresh in that photo- sure you didn't just nick the medal enjoy a well deserved rest now!

Glad you enjoyed it kitty, taper time as well now?

Completely outing me but stupidly happy after photo:

That's absolutely brilliant Maid! Very well done! Bet that IPA tasted good!

maid wow! Well done, that is incredible.

4:27:11. When I realised I could break 4:30, I was proper head down and swallowing back vomit.

Am sore, will shortly lose two toenails, and 1.5 pints of IPA down

I went out this morning for 18 but came home after bloody 2.

I have no idea what happened. Heavy legs, laboured breathing, no energy, needed the loo. Grrrrrr.

Good luck Maid!
Well done chocolate and good luck with today's 20 Kitty.
Beautiful day here too, although there was ice on the cars when I set off! 22 miles done! Hilly route, am so looking forward to flat London! Really pleased to have done it, bring on the taper. Now relaxing with a lovely smoothie made by eldest daughter.

Good luck maid.

chocolate your 20 sounds similar to mine, getting lost, desperate for the loo, looking for shops. Glad I don't have to find my own way on race day. I found the 20 hideously difficult. Hoping I can get some decent runs in on the taper and the excitement of race day will see me through.

kitty that's great news about the BBC feature, should raise both awareness and money. Well done.

Enjoy Oz two I'm jealous too.

I had a physio appointment and was heartened to hear he has been skipping his shorter runs too to 'rest'. He's planning on running a 3hr marathon so happens to us all! Well done elba and lobster for getting out in yours.

Go smash it maid! Enjoy it and tell us how great it was!

Kitty were the photos for your BBC feature? How exciting and I bet that'll raise extra money for your charity too so well done, you are super brave! Enjoy your run today- is it the organised one? Disappointed I couldn't make it today as bet you'll get loads of useful info.

I did 20 miles yesterday!!! It was long but I survived... just. (a couple of friends saw me at mile 19 - going up hill -and said I was looking 'focussed' aka shattered ) Reassured that on the day I won't need to worry about running out of water, finding a loo or crossing any roads!

So glad my Taper is here!!

Filling repair done. Had a pint, which has calmed me down. Off to best mate's house, near start line. She will feed me well and I will persuade her to run.

I'm going to do an 18 miles tomorrow. Big problem is that I have to run past my front door at 10 miles 😂😩

Oh Maid! Best of luck, we will all be rooting for you.

Oh, and rather delightfully, a filling cracked yesterday so I have a hole in a molar. Not sore until I suck cold air over it. Brilliant.

My shopping bag also contains an emergency dental repair kit.

I have just been to Boots for ibuprofen, paracetamol, Imodium, freeze spray, Gaviscon and sinus spray jangling