Last Minute Marathon Tips

You’ve done the training, you’re coming to the end of your taper and you’re ready to tackle the big 26.2. Be prepared and focused with our last minute marathon tips.

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Prepare to be Positive

The marathon isn’t only about physical fitness, but also mental strength and determination, and there will come a point when you need to dig deep.

Visualising your race and cutting the distance into smaller chunks eg. into 3 mile segments will help make the 26.2 miles seem less formidable. Also have a positive running mantra and power words to help keep you going when the going gets tough eg. "There is no tomorrow!" or alternatively Ron Hill’s famous quote has helped many a weary runner to the finish line …"Get going. Get up and walk if you have to. But finish the damn race…"

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Write your name on your running top

When you’re all in, when you think you’ve given everything you’ve got, the sound of someone cheering your name is beyond priceless. Crowd support is usually pretty incredible at most marathons, and can make a huge difference to your race. Make sure your name is clearly visible, and help the crowds will you on to that finish line.

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Get your kit ready now and finalise all travel arrangements.

You really can’t start too early with this. There’s a lot think about on race day, and scrabbling around to find your lucky socks or race number the morning before shouldn’t factor into this. Get your kit packed at least a couple of nights beforehand and make sure travel instructions and tickets, and key essentials are all packed too. Make sure you know how to get to the start and where your start pen is - entry into race pens is always strict. And don’t forget your safety pins!

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Don’t do anything new

At this stage, do NOT be tempted try anything new. This goes for new race kit and shoes, and hydration and nutrition too. Any changes now are risking all of your hard training and can throw your race away. Do as you’ve been doing, and trust the tactics that have got you to the start line.

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Stay warm at the start

You’re likely to be standing around a lot at the start, and given that most marathons take place in the Spring or Autumn, it’s likely to be a little chilly. Dig out old jumpers and jogging pants that you don’t need anymore and discard them at the start. If it’s raining, bin liners will help keep you dry.

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Set Your Watch to Autolap

It’s a small thing but you’ll be grateful for it later when you want to analyse your race . It’s way too easy to forget to hit the lap button every mile, especially when there are 26.2 of them. Set your GPS to autolap, so that you can analyse every mile later on.

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Get Prepared

A small irritation over a few miles can fast become unbearable over marathon distance. Cut your toenails a good few days before your race and be aware that anything that can chafe, will chafe badly during a marathon. This includes raised seams on socks, shoes and clothing that can rub against the skin. Use Vaseline in key locations including armpits, nipples and inner thighs - a lot of male runners also use first aid plasters to avoid the dreaded runner’s nipple.

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Don’t Go Off Too Fast

We’ve all done it in the excitement of the race, but the marathon will punish you for it. Have confidence in your race plan, no matter how fast it seems everyone else is going - remember, no changes, and that includes the start of the race.

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Plan for the Finish

When you cross the line, you’re going to be feeling a mix of elation and exhaustion. It’ll be tempting to crumple and sit down where you are…but keep on walking. Your body temperature will now start dropping fast. Collect water, wrap yourself in the finisher’s foil to stay warm, and make sure you have warm clothes in your bag for the finish. Arrange where to meet family and friends in advance - at the bigger events you’ll be lucky to get a mobile reception at the finish.

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Be in Awe of Your Achievement

Less than 1% of the global population has run a marathon. That makes your achievement pretty special. Factor in the hours of training, the huge commitments and the sacrifices you made to get start line-ready, and be even more proud. Have confidence in yourself and your training so far. Go for it!

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