PLEASE stop me if I decide to sign up for another one (in the next year at least!). Not that I didn't love the experience, but you do forget quite what a commitment, stress and physical strain it is - it's not until it's all over and you feel the huge weight lifted from your shoulders that you realise quite what a big impact it has on you, mentally and physically.
If you're running the London marathon next weekend here are a few final tips that I was reminded of this weekend:
1. Try your FULL kit on way in advance - I only got to try my charity vest on the night before the race and realised that it was HUGE so had to customise it using safety pins to prevent chafing. Not the sort of stress you need the night before.
2. Know exactly what time and where you're starting from/where bag drops are etc so you don't have to walk extra miles on the day.
3. Don't always trust to weather forecast - be prepared for all weather. We were forecast for rain and had hot sunshine - pack sunscreen and stuff to keep you dry in case you have to wait in the rain at the start.
4. Keeping cool saved me during the race - the fireman's hoses (oi oi) and the buckets of water were a god send. Make use of the water sprinklers around the course, even if you don't feel that hot it will help to reduce your body temperature and stop you overheating.
5. Have some back up supplies with your supporters in case you lose gels/need extra - Jo's gels fell out en route so having our support team with extra at mile 8 was essential.
6. As always, with the water stations don't panic and go to the first table! You'll just get caught up in a crowd of runners and probably bump into at least one other runner - run to the end of the table where it's much calmer!
7. If you're struggling, don't panic - slow your pace, stop and walk for a few hundred metres and remind yourself that every run has ups and downs.
8. If you're not going to a record time, speak to other runners - it's a great way to make the miles pass and you'll meet all sorts of people (!!).
9. Don't panic if you don't see your supporters where they said they'd be! It doesn't always go to plan on their marathon day either - and the last thing you need is to be stressing about where they're going to be.
10. Pack some really warm and comfy clothes to put on as soon as you've finished - there's nothing nicer than putting on your favourite hoody and some warm trackies when you've finished.
