London marathoners assemble

I've just done (a very slow) 5k too lobster. First run since my disaster on Monday and the first run I've actually enjoyed in quite a while!

Had a sports massage this morning. The word massage is somewhat misleading- it hurt!! But hoping it will work some sort of magic and get me round my 20 on Tuesday.

twodogs enjoy oz- very jealous (I know it's work though!)

maid good luck for this weekend!! Come back and tell us how amazing it was and that it was all worth it...

Enjoy Oz Twodogs!
Well done lobster
Is your race this weekend Maid?
Wee interval session this morning, legs feel much more rested after an easy week, ready to tackle 22 on Sunday.

Hey everyone! I'm on way to Heathrow. Off to Australia for 9 days - perfect timing pre marathon(umm) .. Have a hacking cough. Going to drive everyone mad on the flight. So glad I've done my long runs already.
Good luck to those doing their big ones this weekend.

Good luck maid

Well done lobster

Chocolate I'm in a similar position but sore throat. Decided it's my body telling me to have a break and am resting until my 20 on Saturday. Feeling so tired / lazy!

Well done Lobster

Just done a pathetic 5K but at least I broke the psychological barrier I have in my head!!

Good luck maid!

Can't decide whether to run tomorrow or not. Got a pain on top of foot which is made worse by running but actually hurts less during running. Doesn't feel like something that'll stop my marathon but wondering whether rest tomorrow (and I rested on Monday too) would be better before my 20 on Saturday (which I'm determined to do before taper) or better to do a short one to keep fitness up? Got a busy week as well involving a fair amount of being on my feet as well...

Roll on my taper!

Just printed off my race booklet.

Well done everyone on long runs. Glad everyone starting to feel a bit more positive. My 18 at the weekend was just thoroughly painful too so goodness knows how 20 will be. A few good comments above, this is really hard but we have put the work in and we will do it. Not long now to race day.

Things are starting to feel more positive here! Well done on runs, picking yourself up after falls and the determination to get out for the next one.

My week plan of 'no running and eating what the fuck I want' is going well. My feet are starting to itch anyway

Thank you all- so lovely to have people that get it! It is really hard what we are doing, I think I underestimated the pain element (my friend was laughing at me earlier when I said I hadn't factored in that this would actually hurt!).

That said, aside from a few bruises, I'm not too sore at all today. I'm also now determined to do my 20 next week (slowly!) as otherwise yesterday's torture was for nothing. The fall knocked my confidence but I guess it's a case of getting back on the horse. This time next week I will hopefully be tapering- can't wait!

It is amazing to think how far we have all come, and I guess it's easy to forget when in the middle of a horrible long run. Three and a half weeks to go!!!

Well done emummy!
Lovely to have a high after a tough one. I've been swimming today, so nice to have a change from running.
I remember at the start of all this when 35 minutes felt like torture, now that's an easy run. How far have we all come 💕

My plan had a 35 minute easy run today. It was brilliant! Went to woods with dog, trotted around muddy hilly very rough paths, had a lovely relaxing time! After slogging out 20 miles on Sunday it was very nice, such a change to finish without aching legs & feet! Nearly there folks!

I had the most hideous 14 miles at the weekend. Hated every step, had to run into wind on way home and was knackered. It really does knock your confidence but keep at it. We have done so well and it really is countdown now. I'm sure the crowds will keep us going on the day. I'm not doing any more long runs til the day and that thought alone keeps me motivated 😂

Just reread your post - I bet that going out too quick was your downfall. On your next long run take it ridiculously slowly. It will give you your confidence back x

Elba try not to over analyse. It could just have been one of those runs. My 18 miler was awful. When it comes to the big day you will be far more refreshed beforehand.

Well done to Kitty too (our soon to be celeb runner!!)

I need to get motivated again. Was meant to be doing a 3 miler this morning but turned the alarm off instead.

Thanks all- feel slightly more human now, but can feel bruises developing so anticipating being a bit sore tomorrow. Think the fall was the last straw!

Not sure if it was a combination of running in the heat for the first time this year and going out too quick. Also need to try and eat better I think- not got a great appetite at the best of times, then feel like I'm force feeding myself the day before a long run.

I'm worried I've not trained enough though. I've only missed one long run, but have missed lots of the shorter ones. Felt ok cardiovascularly but it was my legs that just hurt like crazy. Have still got 20 to go next week- think I will just go really, really slow and see how it goes. If I defer now I will have to do this all over again next year!!

kitty wow that sounds exciting! Will be looking out for you on the news then!!!

Oh no Elba sounds horrible but honestly YOU CAN DO THIS!!

You've put all those hours of training in and when you've got the crowds on the day it'll help loads (that's what I'm telling myself anyway!)

Is that your last long run? The taper will help you recover some energy reserves meaning race day will be easier.

Look through the marathon mag, imagine yourself finishing and how awesome that will feel and believe in yourself!

(Ps- can someone tell me this after my 20 on Saturday?!)

That was a total disaster! Think I must of properly experienced 'the wall' for the first time from about 12-15 miles. Pushed through, got going again at 15 and then fell over in front of a bus stop just before 16. Nothing but minor grazes but burst into proper uncontrollable tears . A lovely lady walked half a mile with me then I ran the last 1.5 extremely slowly. Then burst into tears again as soon as I got in the door Not actually sure I can do this, or even want to do this anymore. Think I tripped because I was knackered- not sure I have another 8 miles in me!!

How did it go Kitty and Elba? Fab weather for it .Maid I stopped during my long run to eat and drink. Really couldn't see the point of inhaling my drinks.

Good luck for all the long runs today and in the coming week!

Final long run yesterday - 21km. I Jeffed it - 9 minutes running at 6-6:20, 1 minute walking at 9:20. Felt miles better than after a regular half distance. The walking time gives you space for your heart rate to even out, to take on food and water without fear of choking, to give your muscles and connective tissue a bit of a break. Psychologically, it breaks the run down into manageable ten minute sections, with each a fresh start over the last. The best (and most perplexing bit) is that my average pace was the same as normal - 6:18 min km yesterday. I think the break means that the 9 minutes of running happens a little quicker and more evenly.

My worst case scenario is now running about 30km non-stop, then having to walk the remainder. I'm resigned to this - anything else is a bonus I figure building the intervals in can only extend my running portion. It helps that I walk pretty quickly, hitting 8:30 min km at some points. In theory, this means I could walk the entire distance in 6 hours.