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Original poster

London marathoners assemble

832 replies

KittyandTeal · 11/10/2016 08:41

As the ballot spaces start being allocated I thought I'd start a thread for those of us lucky enough to get a space.

I was rejected through the ballot but I have had a charity space since June so I'm running (and raising £1400) I've been training for a half so I can get the distance under my belt. Im up to 11 miles now in just over 2 hours. I'm slow but getting there. I'd like to get in under 5 hours but I'm happy to just be running it.

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MaidOfStars · 13/04/2017 14:26

I'm very tired and lost all desire to run atm
This is pretty much why I stopped for a week ahead of the race. I didn't want to start a marathon feeling physically shattered and hating the very act of running. What are you planned runs until the day?

emummy · 13/04/2017 16:10

I feel ok actually, just trying not to get injured! Running feels good. Mostly am stressed about getting to registration on time!

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 13/04/2017 16:53

Maid I've just got 8 miles Saturday (which I'm looking forward too) and then 3x20-30mins. It's the short ones I'm struggling with, I never get to a point where I'm warmed up or in my pace so they frustrate me.

The last one is a shakeout run followed by a panel talk from really inspiring female runners so that will be really fun. So actually I've only got 2 short runs that I can't be bothered with.

It al the conditioning, strength and foam rolling every day that I can't be bothered with but I can't take too many days off that as it's what's keeping me injury free.

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oliversax · 14/04/2017 14:21

Can't believe I'm going to be running a marathon next week! DH has been away so I have done nothing since last weekend. Heading out for an hour later. Hopefully will feel ok.

Current forecast for next Sunday (according to my phone) 17 sun & cloud. I'll take that. Don't want rain or too sunny.

Hope everyone's taper going well and everyone is injury free / broken toes are healing well.

Elba84 · 14/04/2017 20:19

I can't believe it's next week either! I'm terrified!

Had a bit of a wobble (again!) this week as was having problems with pain in my left shin and ankle. Saw physio on Tuesday (was actually my regular fortnightly appointment for my back, but he was more concerned about the leg) who put the fear into me over possible stress fracture etc (I'm pretty confident that it's not). He did ultrasound, stuck needles in my calf and taped it, which bizarrely led to awful calf/Achilles pain that night which was totally new. It's ached a bit since then but much better now.

I've been too scared to run in case it agravates it all again. But then I'm too scared not to run in case I find that I can't! Might do a slow 6 miles on Sunday and see how it feels. Don't have any excitement over this at all now, just fear!!!

Hope everyone else is ok- sorry for the rant!

MaidOfStars · 14/04/2017 20:31

pom poms
You're all going to be fab.

YOU CAN DO THIS.

Twodogsandahooch · 14/04/2017 21:19

Hey everyone!

I am in complete denial too. I really can't believe that it is a week away.
I did 5k this evening and it felt awful - how on earth am I going to run 26.2 miles!!

Is anyone else a little worried about the safety aspect? I said to DP this evening that i wouldn't mind if he stayed at home with DDs instead of coming to watch. It seems a bit ridiculous as I work in central London and have always been very much of the mindset that life must go on. Then again I'm not really sure I want anyone to watch me - i've never been keen on fuss and attention (hate birthday parties) .

emummy · 14/04/2017 22:17

It's just getting so close! Just watched Martin Yelling's last live Facebook chat and he kept saying "next Sunday" which made me panic a little! And after today's run one side of my right calf has got really stiff and sore. Rest day tomorrow though and if it's still sore on Sunday I won't run then either.
Two I was thinking about this earlier; I actually don't feel worried, I think you just have to trust the security services and carry on! I know what you mean about the children coming, I guess if you would take them into London on a normal day then this isn't much different really, but that's easier for me to say as mine aren't coming.

emummy · 14/04/2017 22:18

And thanks for the pom poms Maid!

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 15/04/2017 07:36

Two my dh is a police officer and in London a few weeks ago.

I have absolute faith that things will be fine but I do remember the confusion after the tube bombings when all the phones went down.

As a result we've chosen a place to meet if there is some major event and the phones go down. Somewhere away from the centre and big crowds just in case.

I'm absolutely not worried though

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chocolatepastry · 15/04/2017 15:02

I've just ironed my name onto my charity vest and the O is wonky which is really going to irritate me!!!

I'm tapering more than my plan says to try and get rid of this achey foot (dropping 2x 3 m runs and shortening my 7 to a 6) which seems to be working, plus my legs feel a bit heavy which I'm sure I read means they're storing up glycogen (or something like that) ready for use of the big day!

Feeling more excited than nervous currently and looking forward to the Expo on Wednesday (mainly as I'll be child free!). When's everyone else going down? My main nerves are about getting to the start on time and not seeing my family spectating...

oliversax · 15/04/2017 15:33

I'm going to expo on Friday. Hopefully child free too but possibly with baby.

What time do we need to be at the start line? I know it sets off at 10 but I can't find what time they recommend you arrive by train and then what time to be in your start pen.

emummy · 15/04/2017 15:44

Martin Yelling says to aim to arrive 90 minutes before the start

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 15/04/2017 18:02

I'm starting to get excited now. I'm going to the expo on weds (and hopefully not spending too much money!)

I'm aiming for just after 8 at Greenwich station.

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LobsterMac · 15/04/2017 19:38

I'm starting in the red zone.
I'm excited, daunted and totally defeated at any moment!

I haven't run AT ALL for 2 weeks when I had a really bad run. I need to get out and run tomorrow; what should I aim for? Slow and steady and short?

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 16/04/2017 12:19

Lobster please don't stress. Just think you'll be extra rested for the day.

I'd got short and easy tmrw. I've got a 40min run 10@mp 20@hmp 10@mp. I'm not sure I'm going to manage that though tbh

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Twodogsandahooch · 16/04/2017 16:21

Afternoon all. Feeling much less concerned about security aspect now. Think was just having a wobble. Spoke to my sister and she has arranged for my mum and step dad to stay at hers and then they're all coming up to watch. I really wasn't expecting them to.

Ran 7.5 miles with my running group yesterday - was absolute hell!! Oh dear.

Planning to do a quick run midweek and that is it.

oliversax · 16/04/2017 21:31

I still have a lot of breastfeeding hormones flying about so feel a bit anxious but my rational mind pushes that away.

Maid your cheers are really helping. Your smiling photo is inspiration.

Elba84 · 16/04/2017 22:20

I have to admit the security/safety thing has concerned me a bit too- and I say that as someone who grew up in London during the era of the IRA bombings/threats etc and always swore I would never let these things affect me. I think Kittys idea about sorting out a meeting place if phones go down is a great contingency plan though. Ultimately it's not going to deter me!

Lobster hope your run went ok today. I've hardly run in the last two weeks either.

Did 5 miles today, noticed various niggles but nothing too major. And importantly, it was enjoyable and helped me feel a bit more confident. I think I'm going to do one or two very short and slow runs (2-3 miles) in the week, but essentially this is my training done!

It's been a challenging few months, but I've just had a look back at the start of this thread and it's amazing how far we have all come. Now we just get to eat tons and rest as much as possible until the big day!

oliversax · 16/04/2017 23:08

Elba I just read from start too and found it really inspirational.

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 18/04/2017 08:19

I broke 30 mins for a 5k yesterday 😱 that's pretty fast for me.

I was supposed to do 10mins mp, 20 hmp and 10mp but I ended up running shorter (3.5 miles) but 2 miles at tempo. I've not been doing speed work as it irritates my Achilles but yesterday I felt really good. I've been getting so bored of the short slow runs that I needed it. Feeling confident now. Also had a lovely sports massage that wasn't too deep so I feel really fresh today.

Heart cut this afternoon and expo tmrw 😱 it's all becoming very real now

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oliversax · 18/04/2017 08:23

Current forecast 15 and cloudy, at least it looks like it won't be a scorcher.

Have my final physio today then going to do a few miles to run it off and nothing until race day.

I'm really torn between aiming for 4 and a half on the day, which may be a bit beyond me and if so may end up costing me time or going for a four forty five. I feel like I'll probably never run a marathon again (although my physio said he's never met anyone who has just run one marathon) so should aim high even if I fail spectacularly. I wouldn't say my 20 mile run was exactly a success though.

Awholenewstart · 18/04/2017 08:58

I can't believe it - have come down with cold and cough... no way i can run at all without coughing every second so not going to do anything at all this week. Does anyone have any advice? I've got to run Sunday. All this training can't go to nothing 😥

Original poster
KittyandTeal · 18/04/2017 09:49

Oliver go for it! I'm running at a 'party pace' so aiming for 5-5.30 hours.

Awhole poor you! Lots of rest, fluids and possibly readjust your finish goal.

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LobsterMac · 18/04/2017 11:32

I am having a massive clothing dilemma. What to wear to run in?

Will I be too cold in just a vest?