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Original poster

I've been offered a last minute London Marathon place, am I mad to take it?

36 replies

Skade · 20/08/2021 09:45

The hospital charity where I work have just emailed me to say they have a last minute London Marathon place available due to injury, and do I want it? I had till midday to respond so have said yes Confused

Currently I run around 25-40km a week, broken up into 2-3 5km runs and 1-2 10-15km runs depending how I'm feeling. I did a half marathon in just under 3 hours in May which went okay, but haven't tried it since.

Marathon is 3rd October so I have 43 days to train, is this doable? And does anyone know of any good training plans? Hoping people with marathon experience can help here! Thanks all Smile

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Itsmemaggie · 04/10/2021 17:54

Amazing result! Well done. Hope the legs feel better soon 🏃‍♀️

emmathedilemma · 04/10/2021 16:56

Well done!!

poorbuthappy · 04/10/2021 10:17

That's amazing @Skade!!!!!! Big well done to you.

ApolloandDaphne · 04/10/2021 10:13

Well done @Skade. What a fantastic result!

StoopitAutocarrot · 04/10/2021 09:10

The jelly babies got really sweet after a while, but my daughter ( support team) produced some marmite whirls at mile 16 which were brilliant.

Original poster
Skade · 04/10/2021 08:49

Well done @StoopitAutocarrot! Did the jelly babies fuel you? My jelly beans definitely did!

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Original poster
Skade · 04/10/2021 08:48

It was amazing! I managed to do it in 5 hours 45 so was really pleased with that time. I had been worried about running with so many people but the crowd were fantastic - that last mile with people shouting your name was a memory never to be forgotten - I think I sprinted it! Grin

I'm a bit broken this morning though Grin

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StoopitAutocarrot · 03/10/2021 20:27

I struggled round in 7 hrs, but the crowd was just amazing!

Marjoriesdoor · 03/10/2021 16:05

How did you get on, OP? Hope it went well!

BogRollBOGOF · 02/10/2021 23:02

Good luck OP!

StoopitAutocarrot · 02/10/2021 18:27

Good luck! I’ll be doing it tomorrow too, powered by jelly babies!

ApolloandDaphne · 02/10/2021 16:07

Best of luck.

Forestcantrun · 02/10/2021 16:05

Amazing. Good luck!

Umbra · 02/10/2021 12:47

Good luck!

Original poster
Skade · 02/10/2021 12:40

I’m good thank you! Yep, all set and on my way to London as I write Grin

Training’s gone well, last long run was 20 miles a few weeks ago where I discovered the magical powers of jelly beans, they’re like rocket fuel! I finished that run feeling tired and achey, but I could have gone on so that’s a good sign.

My nerves are shredded though and I just want to get started now! Thanks for thinking of me 🧡

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AuntieStella · 01/10/2021 19:30

@Skade - how are you getting on?

All set and ready to go?

GiantKitten · 21/08/2021 15:41

My SIL, who is generally quite fit (2 Ironman events under his belt) has only just started his “formal” training for London; his first training run, last week, was 15-16km so you’re on a par with him!
He is a bit younger than you tbf but it sounds as if you’re starting from pretty much the same place.

gardeninggirl68 · 21/08/2021 15:38

mile 14 is just after tower bridges felt a bit flat there too. thats where the crowds thin and you move out across towards canary wharf.

SimonJT · 21/08/2021 15:34

I wasn’t struggling physically, I just really really hated it, my photo at the end is fantastic, I don’t think I could look more annoyed if I tried.

gardeninggirl68 · 21/08/2021 15:29

the fit, professional types take it too seriously so do find it awful and many people make the mistake of going out too fast

if you are struggling at the 14 mile mark then somethings wrong.

i ran in 2015 and 2018....2018 was the hottest on record, i knew by mile 3 it would be a case of running/walking and just taking it as it comes. so many people were in despair because they "time" wouldn't be what they wanted. it was a case of counselling runners to readjust and continue....ridiculous

you dont run london marathon to attain a personal best,unless you are an elite, its too crowded

SimonJT · 21/08/2021 15:14

I did a marathon a few years ago, I’m a professional sportsman and was much fitter at the time, I trained for three months.

Running that marathon was awful, after about 14 miles I absolutely hated it, to the point of hoping I would just collapse or maybe die. Unless you love running or you’re clincally insane I’d say don’t do it.

gardeninggirl68 · 21/08/2021 15:13

oh, and look on you tube for the karaoke man....he sings karaoke all the way round, the crowd come alive for him. I ran along behind him for a few miles and enjoyed it so much.....you will be running and singing along, he runs for breast cancer charity. does it every year!

gardeninggirl68 · 21/08/2021 15:11

check out where your charity cheer points are so you are on correct side of the road! they will give you a massive boost

gardeninggirl68 · 21/08/2021 15:10

i've run it twice. you will need to prepare well with nutrition

run/walk will get you through, and the crowd. the crowds are amazing

all the charity tops with pictures of loved ones will have you crying, and all the fun costumes and general carnival atmosphere (at the back and mid sections) will have you laughing....prepare for lots of emotion!!

take headphones if you listen to music....you will need a break! acknowledging the cheering crowd and general high fiving and interactions with fellow runners can drain you so head down, music on, no eye contact can help to re-focus and conserve a bit of energy!

focus on reaching the milestones....cutty sark, friends and family, half way just over tower bridge (bbc camera,dont forget to wave it will be in official photos for you to buy)

recommend facebook group runmummyrun,they will help with everything

Original poster
Skade · 21/08/2021 14:32

@shivermetimbers77 my knees and joints are thankfully okay! I had an issue earlier this year with shin splints in one leg but that has gone now luckily (although it may return with a vengeance after a marathon!).

@BabyRace that's my plan I think - just need to work out the right run/walk combination! And I would love to do the London marathon before I turn 50, one to cross off the bucket list Smile

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