London Marathon Dos & Don'ts

Some basic rules helping us to get round the London Marathon

  1. Build up slowly
  2. Keep to your training plan but don’t afraid to re-appraise it when injuried, ill or over-tired
  3. Progress patiently – trust your training plan – it will work
  4. React to injuries, get them treated immediately; If it hurts then stop running and get some advice.
  5. Sleep well; disturbed sleep or night sweats are a sign of over training... reconsider training goals if necessary.
  6. Eat very well; 5 fruit & veg minimum, plenty of carbs from oats, pasta, rice, tuna, etc. Resist the biscuit tin! (…well, occasional indulgences are ok!)
  7. Stay hydrated at all times; drink before and after training and during the day. Water is sufficient, but isotonic drinks are worthwhile for the longest runs.
  8. Try out race techniques when training; best to learn while practicing – e.g. drinking on the move.
  9. Enter local races to check training progress and get an idea of what it is like to run in a race.
  10. Run in a group when possible – training is a lot easier and more interesting.
  11. Start runs easily until warmed up (at least first mile)
  12. Slow down to a jog for last half-mile of training session, then do static stretching on all major muscle groups;
  13. ...And finally... Be positive about what you’ve achieved so far.