Last Minute Marathon Advice Required?

As some of you may already be aware, in a little under 2 weeks now I will be attempting to run my first (and probably last) marathon.

Do any of you have any last minute advice on getting round, bits of essential kit etc that might make this experience a bit more pleasant etc.

I'm not doing a great deal at the moment in terms of training just really enough to keep me running.

Also if anyone wishes to sponsor me that would be great:

www.justgiving.com/kevhall

Sticky plaster on your nips mate did the Reading half marathon a few years back and worn me nips away bloody painful too .

I'm sure you don't wear cotton anyway - but NO COTTON!!!! And don't wear new shoes!!

Get to the start early, don't leave it to the last minute. It gets very crowded. Go to the bog more than 10 mins before the off, cos the Q for the portajohn is so long. Thinking of no 2s - I always take loperamide (imodium) to stop wanting a dump half way round.

Don't get carried away in the first few miles - remember, this is your race, follow your training and your race strategy. You'll see loads of peeps going like a bull at a gate, don't follow them. If you set off too fast, you will regret it later. You'll catch up with a lot of em at mile 8 when they can't run any more If you're following a pace group, be realistic. There are no prizes for bailing out.

Plan your hydration. Be sure to drink plenty.

When the going gets tough - as it will - do remember 'I have trained for this. I can do this. I will finish. Sod off, left side of brain. I am getting that medal. I am going home with some hardware. I am every bit as good as all these other runners. I am going to do this and nobody's going to stop me' or words to the effect.

Above all - never give up. Even if you have to cross the line on your hands and knees, you are going home with the hardware.

OK?

[SoulKiss]

Fake an injury and dont do it?

Hey, everyone was thinking it, I just said it :P

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

Fake an injury and dont do it?

Hey, everyone was thinking it, I just said it :P

Bail? I'll have your place Kev!!!

No way man! I have put my heart and soul inot this so far.

Good tip on the immodium and taking a dump before will be a pleasure as I work for the National Maritime Museum, so I'll take my key - no queues for me!!!

I have no sunglasses, should I bother? Trainers are worn in and I have just been for a run in my Stroke Association vest, a bit warm actually but ok.

Take a big tub of vaseline, and totally lube up around the *cough* gentleman's areas.

Make sure you get right into all the nooks and crannies at the top of the legs, and I mean use loads of the stuff. Chaffing not only hurts as you run but is well sore for weeks after !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make sure you work out which direction you should be running in

That should be quite easy there should be 35000 others in front of me!!!

I'm having trouble sleeping too at the moment - not sure if that is related.

I have cut all caffine etc. out and still just laying awake despite being tired out. Not thinking about anything, just laying there.

That's not going to help.